Lindsay & Zachary

Linda Nelson · 04-08-2006, 12:30 AM

Each is 25" wide x 30" high.

I think being a portrait artist is one of the most interesting careers - and although I am looking forward to doing some work "for myself," I really enjoy the collaborative effort between client and artist that portraiture represents.

The mother of Lindsay and Zach was so fun to work with - even though she commissioned me because this was a "selfish" present for herself, she did a marvelous job at letting her kids be themselves, letting me be an artist, and gracefully articulating of her own ambitions in the project.

It's fun to have a job that in some aspects is so meaningful and in other aspects is completely meaningless. It helps you take it seriously and take risks. I've completely embraced the concept of "living and dying by ones's sword". I love my job the vast majority of the time and that's good enough compensation for the stuff that sucks.

:-)

Richard Monro · 04-08-2006, 07:55 AM

Linda,
Another couple of nice Linda Nelsons. The painting of Lindsey just knocks me out. The composition is captivating and inviting.

Jeff Fuchs · 04-08-2006, 08:48 AM

Wow Linda. Incredible work. Light bouncing all over the place. Like a dream.

Bravo.

Alexandra Tyng · 04-08-2006, 09:40 AM

Hi Linda,

These are lovely! I love portraits that really convey the artist's empathy with the subject, and these certainly do. I'm especially drawn to the one of Lindsay and the cat. There's a wonderful interaction between them, and your talent for using patterns and textures without letting them overpower the main subject is especially strong here.

Linda Nelson · 04-08-2006, 10:06 AM

Thanks Alexandra , thanks guys. Lindsay has a very special relationship with her cat, and I'm glad to see it shows.

Enzie Shahmiri · 04-08-2006, 10:50 AM

Linda, I love Lindesey's portrait as well for it's overall effect, carefree, happy and sweet.

Michele Rushworth · 04-08-2006, 07:57 PM

Nice job. How fun to be able to create such informal poses!

Linda Nelson · 04-08-2006, 08:11 PM

Thanks Enzie, Thanks Michele . For 15 years I worked in the Trade Show industry on the creative construction side. The best part about the job and and the most challenging part were the same thing - that every project was different. I find the same in portraitures. which is nice.

Julie Deane · 04-08-2006, 09:05 PM

HI Linda -

I've been studying composition quite a bit lately, and the first thing that struck me with your Lindsay/cat painting is the composition. It's full of interesting shapes and leads the eye very nicely all around the canvas. Then, the beautiful light and the textures are enjoyable all by themselves. And the great facial expressions and obvious rapport between your subjects is a treat to view. All that and a great painting too!

Terri Ficenec · 04-09-2006, 10:01 AM

Hi Linda. Two lovely portraits. I've got to admit that I, too, am especially drawn to the one of Lindsey and her cat. The glowing light and the interaction between the two are especially well captured.