Brandon
 

This is a 20" x 16" oil on canvas portrait of my 17 year old son Brandon. As you can see from his expression, he loves posing for his Dad.

As you can see, the dark background and hair is picking up quite a bit of glare. I'm going to try some of the varnish recommendations I've been reading about here recently that will have less "sheen".

By the way, the painting was primarily done from life.

Great job Mike, enjoy the colors used in the darker areas of his face. I'm surprised a 17 year old would even pose for his dad, it's just not cool. ;) What does he think of it?

Thanks Jimmie. He was surprised at the likeness , but you're right, it's just not cool. I don't think he's told any of his friends.

....but in not too many years this will become his most prized posession.

Mike,

You have done a really lovely job!

Mike, I love this. I like his expression - it says 'teenager'. I wish mine would sit for me, but I do not think they have the capability yet, maybe when they are older.

Michele,Chris & Kimberly:

Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. I always value your opinions both positive and negative. I really liked this pose. I thought it defined both his personality and his age.

Michele:

I do believe he will value this painting as he gets older.One of the most gratifying aspects of being an artist is what we can leave behind, particularly to our family members. I hope my paintings of them say a little bit about who I am and also who they are for future generations.

What a wonderful life we have!

This is a beautiful portrait Mike, and I know your son will treasure it forever. My teens take it all for granted now too - but as Michelle said, he will appreciate it someday! We'll be glad we painted them at this stage of their lives too. I already am for many reasons.

Sincerely,

Denise

Mike, this is my new favorite painting of yours. It has a strong emotional impact and it's beautifully painted. Well done!

Nice job Mike; I think Brandon will need to meet my Gwen! ;)
:thumbsup:

Denise:

Thanks for your encouraging words. Trying to get this 17 year old, 6'4" athlete to bring himself to sit was quite an undertaking, but I agree with you, somewhere down the road it will have much more meaning to him. He's much more occupied with baseball and football than Dad's paintings.

Linda:

Thanks for confirming what I felt about this painting. I feel that I am picking up more of those "subtle" temperature variations than I have in the past. I attribute that to two things: 1) working from life 2) studying paintings of other artists. One area that I need to overcome is the feeling of wanting to rush the painting when I am working from a model. I feel as if I need to hurry up and get them "out of there", as if I am inconveniencing them.

Beth:

We should do that. We might create a connection here! Good to hear from you.

This painting has such a nice feel to it, Mike! It invites you to get to know your son as allot of personality seems to eminate from the expression and your rendering.

Pat,

Thanks for the compliment. If we get fortunate enough to to capture the likeness of the subject that's great, but beyond the we want the painting to be inviting, to have the viewer want to take a second and third look to not only try to understand the artist but the subject also. That's a humbling and much appreciated compliment you gave. Thanks Again!