Backyard Buddies

[John Reidy]

I haven't posted any portraits recently but I wanted to share this one with you. It is a typical Southern Little Girl with bare feet but I had the opportunity to work with the parents on creating a nice piece of art as well.

There is a lot going on here for the family. First is their little girl. Second is her best playmate, their dog. Third is the chair, it was her grandmother's chair, and, fourth, is the background. It is a tobacco field with what is commonly called a tobacco barn.

The father of the girl grew up on his father's and grandfather's farm which used to be a tobacco farm. The background holds special significance to him.

I enjoyed the project because I was able to construct a painting with personal feelings and a compelling composition. I was also able to paint in a "looser" fashion, not so encumbered by detail.

The name for this painting is "Backyard Buddies".

I also enjoyed the freedom to manipulate the pose and background to conform to a better composition.

Final note, this was a Christmas present and while finishing another portrait, composing another, I am glad I was able to make the planned date.

[Margaret Ferguson]

A beautiful image, the recipients must have been delighted.

[John Reidy]

Thanks, Margaret, they are.