Spring Bud

Linda Nelson · 04-30-2003, 11:12 PM

Hi everyone,

Rachel is 10 and is in love with climbing trees this year.

The painting is 24" x 20", oil on linen.

As many of you know, girls can really look awkward at 10 -- even the most ravishing of little girls will suffer through this period. Girls themselves are usually clueless of it, but we mothers kinda cringe discreetly (especially thinking that we went through it and didn't know it either). So the mother was especially happy with this portrait as it minimized the problem.

I hope this digital file turns out - I've lost my ICorrect software, which was a dream to color balance with.

Thanks for letting me share this.

Linda

Linda Nelson · 05-01-2003, 07:31 AM

Okay, let's try a .gif file instead -

Linda Nelson · 05-01-2003, 07:32 AM

and here's the close up -

Mari DeRuntz · 05-01-2003, 09:30 AM

Linda, another strong piece. You've handled the business of the tree branches with aplomb and beauty. They're all about color and movement and encircle your subject without distracting from her. I'll add this one to my library of images.

I'm working from a ten-year-old model now and "spring bud" is very appropriate.

Linda Nelson · 05-01-2003, 10:55 AM

Thanks for your comments Mari - It's an honor to be in your library ( I have one too!).

It's incredible how children really are fun to paint at almost any age. I've had people ask when is the best age to have a painting of their kids, and really it could be any age (although under 1 is tough in my opinion), as every 6 months they are into something new, and it's so fun to remember all the phases.

Take care Mari - good luck on your get-away!

Linda

Jean Kelly · 05-01-2003, 06:00 PM

Hi Linda, when I was 10, I lived in trees. My favorite was a big apple tree in our yard. Your painting reminds me of those happy times. I can smell spring in the air. I especially like the way you've handled the branches, with the gold light all around. Lovely, happy painting.

Jean

Linda Nelson · 05-01-2003, 09:55 PM

I was a tree monkey too. I'm so glad that the painting touched you like that. I'd like do more paintings from a figurative perspective that just celebrate the little fun things kids do. I watched my son stare at water going down the street sewer after an afternoon rain, and remember being entranced by the same when I was young. Ah the simple joys...

Linda

Linda Brandon · 05-02-2003, 10:59 AM

Hi Linda,

Such a lovely, fresh painting! Congratulations on this one, Linda. I also painted my daughter at ten, up in a tree. (There's a common thread here, isn't it? Is a tree the farthest a ten year old can get from adults?) I like your composition much better than the one I used. The sky through the branches really suggests adventure and the unlimited possibilities of youth.

Best regards,
Linda

Linda Nelson · 05-02-2003, 12:57 PM

Linda,

Your comments made me think it would be so interesting to start a thread showing a genre of similar paintings (ie kids in trees).

You know regarding your comment about getting away from adults, if that would be one way to interpret the "why" behind the tree climbing - when I watch her lug up the tree her blankets and books, it's as if she's making her own home (ie. her own independent living space). O.K., maybe a little deep, but plausible.

I'm so glad you like it, I seems an unorthodox pose and an unorthodox treatment, but I think it works.

By the way, I've put this in the "unveilings" thread, but if anyone has a critique, they can always email me.

Linda

Mai Ly · 05-02-2003, 11:46 PM

Hi Linda,

I really love this painting. Just as Mari mentioned, I love the way you made the complicated background (and those surrounding the girl) looks uncomplicated, and not taking the attention away from the girl. I also love the limited colour palette.

Very nice. I look forward to seeing more of your work!

Mai