Trey
 

This is a recent painting of my son, Trey. The reference picture was taken at Atlantic Beach overlooking the sound. The size is 20 X 30 and it's oil on linen.

thanks for looking!

Renee

What a beautiful, peaceful portrait.

Renee,

What impresses me most about this portrait is that the value range is controlled so well. I think this, along with your son's expression, is what gives it such a subdued, meditative mood. I can feel the atmosphere and smell the sea air.

Dear Renee,

I love this painitng, I love your restraint in color and value. The narrow color harmony supports the painting. I continue to go back to the horizon line, back and forth, and I think I like the tension it contributes to the painting.

So nice to see you back:)

Lacey, Alexandra, and Chris, thank you all for your wonderful comments! My goal for this painting was a feeling of serenity. I take pictures of my boys all the time, looking for that one that's a painting. Most of the time, as kids do, they pose when they see a camera on them. This time I was lucky and caught Trey off guard. I knew before I focused the camera that this was exactly what I wanted to paint. I just held my breath and hoped I could capture the peacefulness in his face before he noticed me. Like I said, I got lucky. :)

I went back and forth about how strong the horizon line should be. The composition was so triangular and right (our right) heavy that I wanted something to break that up and bring the eye back to the left. That coupled with the small value range, and my reluctant 'in-house' model, I was able to play with the painting more than I would if it was a commission. I knew if I messed it up, it was no big deal!

Alexandra, congratulations on your second honor award at PSA! Beautiful painting!

And Chris it's always good to hear from you! I love your recent work!

thanks again!

Renee

Thank you, Renee! Just keep painting--we need more women getting awards.

Dear Renee,

As Alex suggests, this looks like an award winner to me. So strong, peaceful, and contemplative. I love it! It seems like a Whistler by many of its good qualities.

Garth

Besides the overall color harmony, I love the clear use of purple and yellow in the white shirt. Brava.

Thank you all very much! After the awards you both have received recently, 'competition worthy' is a huge complement!

Thanks again!

Renee

Very nice Renee! Calm, cool, and refreshing.
Interesting, I noticed that you signed it at the top. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that.