Nostalgia

I have been thinking lately of how things have evolved with my art. I was very lucky as a young child to be able to take art lessons from multiple teachers. My parents always encouraged my art and made it possible. This portrait you see here is of my "Dad" when he was a young child. I chose to do this painting at this time of his life because this photo reminded me so much of my own son at this same age. If you put them side by side when they were around 9 years old they could have been twins. My dad has been gone now almost nine years and hasn't seen my kids grow into the young people that they are, but I have no doubt that he is looking down on us and smiling. This photo was given to me by my Aunt Pat and I painted this portrait for my sister's birthday. I think it is very important that I as an artist try to chronicle the people in my family and have tried to do so on both sides of my family. I have done multiple portraits of my kids, my dad, my grandparents and some others and really enjoy trying to bring each persons unique qualities to life. I have also painted many people from photos without ever meeting them and this brings on a whole new set of problems. I believe that if you interact with someone often enough you know what makes them look and act the way they do. Sometimes when you haven't met the subject you are at a loss with the subtle things that make up a good portrait. I hope you enjoy and I will be bringing more of my family for you to meet. Please be aware that I now have prints of certain paintings that can be purchased at Fine Art America, see the link in the upper left hand corner of this blog. Different sizes are available as well as postcards.