Circa 1976

Mara Schasteen · 12-05-2009, 06:33 PM

I painted this small commission today using a black and white photograph of the client's mother from 1976. My aim was to keep it simple, connect all the shadows and make them all the same basic value and throw in a little color. This is not my usual portrait commission, but it was fun.

Oil on Linen
12" x 9"

Debra Jones · 12-06-2009, 01:34 AM

Really good energy! It has everything the client will want. Nice little gift!
dj*

Claudemir Bonfim · 12-07-2009, 08:28 AM

It looks alive. I loved the way you portrayed the movement.

Mara Schasteen · 12-07-2009, 11:37 AM

Many thanks, Debra and Claudemir!

Natalie Hunsaker · 12-07-2009, 10:00 PM

I LOVE your brush technique in the background. I am going to have to spend some time studying it so I can incorporate such fun into my own work!

Mara Schasteen · 12-07-2009, 10:54 PM

Natalie, thank you!

Patricia Joyce · 12-09-2009, 05:37 PM

So much energy. I love how the horse's face comes forward in focus and the movement in the piece is exciting. Wonderful little painting

Mara Schasteen · 12-17-2009, 12:42 AM

Patricia, thanks for taking time out to comment! I really appreciate it!

Garth Herrick · 01-06-2010, 11:44 PM

What an interesting challenge in this commission. I think you handled and expressed this well, Mara!

Mara Schasteen · 01-07-2010, 01:16 AM

HI Garth! Thanks for your nice comment. I painted a companion piece to the painting above. This is my client's father in 1976. Same challenge as before: a blurry, tiny black and white photo. I thought I'd post it here to complete the set. These two rodeo stars were given the paintings as a gift for Christmas and I'm told were very joyous to receive them. Yay!