It's all relative. . .

Livin' on Love (Christmas in NC) . oil on linen/panel . 16" x 20"

Family devotion can take many forms, but commissioning a portrait of loved ones with the intention of a surprise gift just about takes the cake.  This lucky, attractive, newly married couple had a father/father-in-law who planned for quite some time his particular way of honoring his "children" (including the newest, cutest four-legged member of the family!) and their marriage.  His excitement during the planning was energetic and very touching, and oh how you wish you could share (tweet) that right to the recipients!  Patience is required, yet a surprise painting always adds an extra element of pizazz during the whole process - who in the world doesn't like a surprise or a little extra sparkle in life?  It helps the medicine go down.  

 No matter how you slice it, portraiture makes a lasting memory.  Sweet remembrance. We humans spend a good measure of time in remembrance.

The way I paint and see things means the portrait will likely reveal a more intimate, modern look. . .something a little out of the ordinary, often quite casual and occasionally, may I say, edgy, literally and figuratively.

Well, maybe not edgy, but certainly for the times.  Traditional portraiture hangs over gorgeous mantles in beautiful homes, and frankly I love it - the pure elegance of it - the "richness" of it.  But lives are different in various ways anymore, aren't they?  The world turns and turning with it rather than against it seems to be the ticket.  Naturally, fulfilling your client's wishes is paramount, but fortunate is the artist when given a little room to express their style and ideas.  Thank you "Mr. Dad" for the honor of painting your family.  

Speaking of family. . .I just finished a small work of my muse, Storey Rose.  Many of you know she's my granddaughter.

       Storey at the Beach . summer 2012 . oil on linen panel . 10" x 8"      

Here's a possible companion piece: me at another Gulf beach about fifty-odd years ago!  Will these be family treasures in another fifty years?  I'm thinkin' maybe so.

Summer in the 50's . oil on panel . 10" x 8"  

"All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own."

- Edwin Markham

Family, love, portraits, remembrance - all relative. . .