Father Phil

Debra Jones · 08-20-2008, 10:54 AM

This is my second piece for public viewing, to commemorate the expansion and new building of a local Greek Orthodox Church. I conspired with a donor for the commission and admit I have far to go, but the dedication of the new facility is this weekend and it is sort of a surprise, if one can DO such a thing, for the Father.

He posed for some photos for reference and I took a few shots during services, and cut and pasted the reference for the rest. Biggest challenge was how to handle the new and unfinished building.

It went through a LOT of changes during the course of the two year building processes including the multiple deaths in families of pivotal church members during the last days of planning and executing the unveiling. I may not actually be AT the unveiling because of the confusion, but I have the promise of photos of the reaction and pictures with the subject. I have not posted it because the general style is not my usual, but I am happy for the pros to comment, now that it is too late to help!

I tried to suggest the Byzantine feeling of Orthodoxy without the simple path of stylization. I worked (against my patron's suggestion of a smile) to emphasize the empathy and gentleness of the man, who was visibly uncomfortable and very much against being honored in this way. He is truly humble, and admittedly does not have the standard handsome face. He is also NOT Greek, which was what attracted me to him in the first place. Something about that dedication of the converted - his congregation is so proud of him. He needed some elevation.

So, I am throwing it in. It will hang on a wall so people can come in and look in person, so it qualifies me for the old "Seasoned Professional" category. Season.... perhaps some garlic and oil of clove... not the most refined, but definitely qualified!

Linda Brandon · 08-20-2008, 11:45 AM

I like this one a lot, Debra - the high-key color scheme and the design pattern are contemporary and have a clean, fresh feel. It is very "non-ponderous" (is this a word?) like all your work (and yes I do see your style in here, whether you think so or not). I think you have captured the emotions you were after here.

Lacey Lewis · 08-20-2008, 04:49 PM

Wow, this portrait is dazzling! The controlled values and the way the clothes connect with the building are really great. The painting seems to give off happiness, without being in any way cheesy.

Debra Jones · 08-20-2008, 05:12 PM

Whew.

I showed it as a work in progress in another forum and in early stages, he had a very smirky look. That came from trying to tweak the expression into something it wasn't. Not having a lot of reference I repainted it to the original photo and was much happier.

I had a cool.blue background originally and two views of the church. When I gave up and decided a BIG single view was a better idea, I used a nice warm royal sort of blue to blend into the clouds and it was as if a new face came out! The warmth happened when I chucked the old composition.

Thanks both of you. Lacey - the highlight of the thing was when I put a gold frame on it. My amateur feeling rendering of all the bling was rewarded. It LOOKS like gold in the frame, even if the frame might not be the BEST of all possible golds.

Lacey Lewis · 08-21-2008, 09:30 PM

Heck yes it looks like gold in the painting! I can see how the frame brings it out and makes the gold come off the canvas and into 'our world.'

More kudos. It's especially interesting to see the other composition. You really made a great decision with your revision of the background.

Margaret Ferguson · 08-22-2008, 02:50 AM

You have a lovely result from what sounds like a complicated process!
I love your use of gold and the details; his face is excellent, the kindness and character really shine through

Allan Rahbek · 08-24-2008, 05:24 PM

Debra,
this is very successful, I like it a lot, you have made an Icon.

The man looks very kind and dedicated and you have balanced the elements in the composition in a both traditional and refreshingly new way.

The simple way that you painted the sky is perfect, it's luxury, like a sweep with a watercolor brush.

Debra Jones · 08-27-2008, 12:01 PM

I haven't replied because the story is getting complicated. Looks like the presentation will not be until some time in September. With deaths in the organizational personnel and the priest's brother in law's passing, the door opening of the church and his elevation to protopresbyter, he chose to put this part of the festivities off. I was pretty shattered as he understood from the beginning this was an opportunity for me as well as a gift for him.

With all the initial festivities under their belt, I am waiting to hear the date of the honoring of the Father for his 25th year in service to the Church.

I was hoping to get you a couple of side by side pix, but I am still waiting. I have channeled the depression into a 15 straight watercolor paintings in two weeks. One never can tell what will give one inspiration!

Thank you for your comments. They are greatly appreciated.