Friday 24 October 2008

Andrew - Finished!


At last, Andrew is finished, although I can see things not right, so maybe I shall fiddle some more. And that is what I did....fiddled and fiddled and fiddled. I even got a magnifying glass out at one point! This was a struggle. And as usual, it is nothing like my initial vision for the painting. The photograph is a problem to start with, because of the flash. Dave Darrow is so right, you have to have good reference material. Also, Andrew is smiling, which is always difficult to portray so that it doesn't look 'pasted on' or like a grimace. It would have made a better painting, too, if I hadn't slavishly painted the shrug, as it doesn't quite read right, so maybe I will alter that.

Having said that, I am not blaming my tools, as the most difficult aspect was the emotional one.

I have found it extremely valuable, because I can now look at pictures of Andrew without feeling bad immediately. I can smile and laugh at the good times, of which there were far more than bad times.

OK enough waffling!

I have a show to prepare for, framing, labelling, etc., so no painting today probably, but it is HAS life drawing tomorrow so be sure to check out my other blog next week.

Have a good weekend, and thanks for dropping in.

10 comments:

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Sharon, you did it! Wonderful job and I am sure the likeness is right on, you are so good at that!

Pattie Wall said...

I find smiles are difficult. You did well! Nice job Sharon. It's truly a work of love. Sounds like very good therapy for your heart, too. Good luck on your show.

Karen Hargett said...

Sharon I don't know if I'd change a thing. I can almost hear that giggle and those shoulders amplify it. Great smile - impishly sweet. I'm glad you finished with good feelings that warm your heart.

SharonWrightArtist said...

Thank you so much, Carol, Patty and Karen. Where would I be without you lovely ladies egging me on? I was wondering whether to post the reference too, for comparison? What do you think?

Dianne said...

Sharon, well done, it is a beautiful painting and I am so glad that you can now look at his photo's without pain and just remember him with joy. Hope your show goes well.

Dianne Mize said...

Bravo, Sharon. I wouldn't touch it. I even like the shoulder shrug--takes away that "posed" look you see in so many portraits.

Anonymous said...

Its a lovely painting and you must have worked very hard to achieve such a wonderful outcome. I don't think you should fiddle around with it any more, its a lovely work to have achieved, and worth all the emotional stress along the way. Good on you!!! All the best wishes for your HAS life drawing session.

theresamillerwatercolors said...

Beautiful portrait of a beautiful child!

Art with Liz said...

This is great Sharon. Such a lovely natural feeling to the portrait. Well done on persevering.

Susan Carlin said...

Sweet as heck, my dear. I love that you've had the shift from bad to good feelings when you look at Andrew's photos. I'm so happy for you about that. Hugs across the water...