Lennox & Vivian
 

Please accept my apologies for not being an active member in your community. In the last year, I have been staring at a few unfinished canvases until last weekend when I decided to just have a go at it. This piece I will sign once I put it away for a few days to get a better outlook on it. It is painted entirely from a digital photo (not a controlled enviroment). My next painting which I am very eager to start is from a much better photo. Painting from life seems not to be an option for me at this time, however in the past I have done it with modest success. It seems I have once again become very excited about painting again. I hope I post this correctly.

Brian,

That is a fascinating integration of representational realism and good abstraction, and is highly successful, I think. Might we be able to see some close-ups and details? I also admire your non-typical elongated format and close, intimate cropping. Refreshingly good design, and colorful work!

Garth

Brian, it's clear to see why you are excited about painting again -- this is gorgeously vivid work!
Any chance you could post some closeups for us?

Thanks Garth and Terri. Very nice of you both. I forgot to mention that this is my sister Vivian and my nephew Lennox in a picture that was done quite candidly last Christmas. I will show them this Christmas.

Dimensions 36"X12"

Here are a couple close ups. Once again, thanks for the nice comments.

Brian,

I can't overstate a welcome to you! Terrific work , look forward to your involvement here.

Welcome, Brian! I also love the combined realism and abstraction as well as the unusually long canvas and strong design. Everything makes this a strong and memorable work, which is what we all want as artists. I'm really happy you posted this.

I'll echo what others have already said: great use of an innovative format and I like your combination of realism and abstraction. Seeing works like this helps me think outside the box a bit more.

Brian,

I hope you are aware of who has complimented you so far. Each, in my humble view, is top notch and you have wowed them (as well as me). I agree with all and ditto Michele's comment about helping me see out of my box.

Congratulations.

Oh, this is fabulous. It is so nice to see something different, and done so well!

Im looking forward to seeing more.

I want to thank everyone for the very kind words. I am very much aware of the talented company I am. As well, I am very pleased and humbled that those who have responded have found something they like in what I did. Thank goes out to all who have viewed my work. I always look forward to seeing what others have done.

Brian,

I just saw this and I agree with everything that has been said. I especially love how there's a bit of abstraction on the boy's shirt that ties it in with the background. I'd like to hear more about how and why you chose this unconventional format and composition. Congratulations on a truly eye-catching portrait!

Alex

Alexandra, sorry for the long wait on the reply. Actually I am quite suprised that all who responded liked the format choice for this painting. To be quite honest this canvas was meant for a landscape or wilderness subject matter, however at the time I got the itch to paint this was what I had lying around. I believe a painting should not have to be confined to certain restrictions, in this case the unconvential height to width ratio. So I went with this canvas.

Initially my intention was not to have any abstraction in this piece but the photo I was working with was very dark, so to stay true to the background would not have made for an interesting background. On a whim I decide to go with some bold colours. Basically I took a chance on the colours as well as the broad abstract strokes. Can't really go into it much more because that's basically it. Thank you for you kind comments and your interest.

I agree, this portrait is very cool and I love the spontaneous background!