Grandson Chris

[Bob Botha]

This is my latest endevour, which was inspired by Alexandra's wonderful painting of her son Julian. I loved the informal, casual pose, so I applied something similar with my grandson, Chris and this is the result. Thank you, Alexandra and all you masters who continue to motivate me to improve! This is oil on canvas board, 20"x16".

[Allan Rahbek]

Bob,
Good thinking, you found inspiration and added somthing new.!!!

The background works very well, the curved lines in the figure are repeted there, with variations, it adds to the feeling of movement.

[Bob Botha]

Thank you Allan for your comments, they are most appreciated. I have been inspired by your work also, particularly your step by step procedure. I was undecided about the background of this painting, whether to go plain or use the actual background. I finally went for a semi abstract approach to add some variety, which seems to have succeeded.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Bob,
Though I'm pleased that my portrait of Julian inspired you, I am even more impressed by the way you used the inspiration to come up with an idea of your own and make such a different statement with it. I'm not sure I would have seen the relationship between your portrait and mine, had you not pointed it out.

I like the happy yet thoughtful colors. They give this portrait a lot of appeal. You have incorporated abstract shapes in such a way that the transition from real ( figure, arm of chair) to abstract is hardly noticeable. The curved and angular shapes work well together, too. Though I'm sure this is an accurate portrayal of your grandson, it also has an iconic feeling.

[Bob Botha]

Alexandra, thank you so much for taking the time to study my painting. It is very gratifying to know that the thought process that goes into the development of a painting has not gone by unnoticed! Of course, as I'm sure you'll agree, knowing your subject well does not hurt, either!

[Tom Edgerton]

Nice job, Bob!

I agree with others here...there is a really nice synergy between figure and background.

[Bob Botha]

Thank you, Tom, I need all the encouragement I can get!