Brandon

Chris Saper · 03-05-2004, 11:42 AM

Mike,

You have done a really lovely job!

Kimberly Dow · 03-05-2004, 12:21 PM

Mike, I love this. I like his expression - it says 'teenager'. I wish mine would sit for me, but I do not think they have the capability yet, maybe when they are older.

Mike Dodson · 03-05-2004, 05:18 PM

Michele,Chris & Kimberly:

Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. I always value your opinions both positive and negative. I really liked this pose. I thought it defined both his personality and his age.

Michele:

I do believe he will value this painting as he gets older.One of the most gratifying aspects of being an artist is what we can leave behind, particularly to our family members. I hope my paintings of them say a little bit about who I am and also who they are for future generations.

What a wonderful life we have!

Denise Hall · 03-06-2004, 10:46 PM

This is a beautiful portrait Mike, and I know your son will treasure it forever. My teens take it all for granted now too - but as Michelle said, he will appreciate it someday! We'll be glad we painted them at this stage of their lives too. I already am for many reasons.

Sincerely,

Denise

Linda Brandon · 03-06-2004, 11:32 PM

Mike, this is my new favorite painting of yours. It has a strong emotional impact and it's beautifully painted. Well done!

Elizabeth Schott · 03-07-2004, 12:22 AM

Nice job Mike; I think Brandon will need to meet my Gwen!

Mike Dodson · 03-08-2004, 10:32 AM

Denise:

Thanks for your encouraging words. Trying to get this 17 year old, 6'4" athlete to bring himself to sit was quite an undertaking, but I agree with you, somewhere down the road it will have much more meaning to him. He's much more occupied with baseball and football than Dad's paintings.

Linda:

Thanks for confirming what I felt about this painting. I feel that I am picking up more of those "subtle" temperature variations than I have in the past. I attribute that to two things: 1) working from life 2) studying paintings of other artists. One area that I need to overcome is the feeling of wanting to rush the painting when I am working from a model. I feel as if I need to hurry up and get them "out of there", as if I am inconveniencing them.

Beth:

We should do that. We might create a connection here! Good to hear from you.

Patricia Joyce · 03-08-2004, 11:19 AM

This painting has such a nice feel to it, Mike! It invites you to get to know your son as allot of personality seems to eminate from the expression and your rendering.