Joanne
 

Hey guys! I know it's been a while. I'm sorry about that. :D I have been busy though. Here is one of the recent portraits I finished. It was starting to sink in a bit when I took the picture...but you get the idea. Ok enough excuses hehe.

Such strong visual impact this painting has...it has the power to hold the viewer

if you squint and stare at this painting it looks like your looking thru a keyhole
just thought that was interesting
an absolutely beautiful painting

Dear Jonathan,

I love this painting! It has elegance and power and restraint all wrapped up in one.

Would you mind posting some close -ups and extreme close-ups? What can you tell us about the painting of this woman -not just technically, but how you came to create this work?

Jonathan,
powerful and elegant, that's exactly the words which came to me when I watched your portrait.
Those 3 blue circles are fascinating!

I am always delightfully surprised when I show other artists my work. All of you are so perceptive. This is actually a painting of my mother-in-law. I wanted to wait to see what everyone thought before I posted that information. I am actually using this to build my portrait portfolio. We actually get along can you believe it?! She is actually full blood italian and was raised in New Jersey. She married a British man who grew up in South Africa. So she is a mingling of the fiery jersey girl and the proper british side. I actually told her when I finished the portrait, "To me you are like a wild mustang that has every appearance of a thoroughbred horse". We have a good relationship so I am able to make animal references without suffering for it heheh. There's also a joke about her around the house that she is the "queen". So all those ideas were wrapped up in this portrait. I am extremely happy that all of those things were conveyed. Thanks again for all your comments they are so encouraging.

This is 18 x 24 in oils of course

Here are the requested closeups:

Here's the last one as well:

Strong and arresting. I love the bold constrasts. One really gets a feel for this lady's personality. Wonderful brushwork too. So - when are you entering it into a contest?

Jonathon, all the attributes you have given to her are apparent in this piece. I like it a lot as well and find it a captivating portrait.

I also love the blouse she is wearing and how that material gives an added dimension, without distracting from her face. It is interesting to see that when you squint the garment and background merge into total darkness, making the portrait into a bust! Genius!

Adding my standing applause for this painting. It is wonderful and will make a very strong addition to your portfolio!