18 x 24 Acrylic on Canvas
A lovely young lady commissioned this painting of her late brother as a Christmas gift for their mother - what an honor for me! I am really pleased with the way it turned out and so is she! You may find my method for "painting" the fishing lines interesting using a pizza cutter and white and black gesso. Since this was heavy tackle, the cutter lines were just right! Hey, it works for me! I would really enjoy hearing how some of you might have approached this "fine line" challenge?
November has been more than hectic with commissions to complete and deliver prior to our departure from North Carolina this past Sunday. I am waaaaay behind visiting blogs and am so eager to catch up and see what everyone's painting! We are back in Florida and I plan to relax and enjoy catching up this holiday weekend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Rosemary, what an interesting method you used and what a well painted picture. It has a mystery quality to it besides all the technical merits. Wonder about the story behind it. Did the brother die young? Was he a soldier? Glad you are back in the sun. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Silvia
ReplyDeleteThis is so very moving and beautifully painted, Rosemary. I know that both the sister and the mom will be over the moon with this touching portrait. Thank you for sharing such a special piece with us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting, Rosemary. I love your use of color and definitely will try the pizza cutter...thanks for sharing. I'm know this painting will truly be treasured. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary. Beautiful. I so agree with the above comments. The beauty of your composition is outstanding. Love the face in shadow that emphasizes this "story". The wake is painted with colors that are sensational as is the sky that the wake directs the eye to which then leads back to the face and figure of this person "owning" the beautiful boat he's so comfortable in. Just a perfect "story" in this painting. A never-ending journey around this that is intriguing and pleasing to enjoy your expertise in rendering it.
ReplyDeleteHow do you use the pizza cutter w/the gesso? Do you put the diff. colors of gesso on the cutter and roll it on along the ruler?
In watercolor, I have used masking tape on both sides of a white mast on a ship and a black fishing line. After masking tape is in place the length of whichever, I rub out any color, leave it as such for the white, or paint the black in. I'll place both paintings on my blog if you'd want to see what I'm talking about. http://bdycttdncr.blogspot.com
Hmmm - very interesting way to do a straight line. I wouldn't have thought of it. You've done a fantastic job on this portrait. I love the feel of it. I delivered a posthumous portrait today and got a great reaction from my friend who is delivering it. It was her friend that commissioned it. I am glad I'm not delivering because I imagine it will be very emotional.
ReplyDeleteSil, thank you so much for your comments! Yes, this young husband and father died in a tragic accident a few years ago, not in the war. His mother has had a difficult time finding closure. Hopefully this painting will help heal her heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sherry and Pat! I usually do a thin acrylic underpainting block in and finish with oil. Somehow the acrylic seemed just right for this one and I stayed with it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like it!
Ruth, thank you so much! Jason did enjoy his boat and I'm told was so "at home" on the water. It thrills me that you picked up on this!
ReplyDeleteAs for the gesso - yes - I used the white and black individually with broken lines. Did not double load the wheel. It's easy to do following a ruler with a wet paper towel close by for the "oops"...
I am eager to see your method with the tape. Thanks for sharing. I'm on my way over to your blog right now!
Thank you Lokelani! Congratulations on the commission. I understand what you are saying about an emotional delivery. However, when you see a tearful reaction to your work, it's an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. I am eager to hear Jason's mother's reaction after Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHope you posted the painting? Am going over to your blog to see.
What a beautiful painting Rosemary and as for the pizza cutter! well, you learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz! Guess "new" tools keep it all interesting :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the painting!
What a powerful piece. It is hard to find words to say given the background story. This is one instance that shows how important painting can be to people. Thanks for sharing the story and followup comments. If I can speak for the state of N.C. I will say that you will be missed and await your return. I am always into learning new techniques - the pizza cutter is a new one for me - thanks. In the past I know folks who used a car paint striper (a rolling thingy used in the industry to paint decorative stripes on cars). I've never invested in that. I have, however, painted the thin side of matboard and pressed onto the painting (not as accurate - but you do get this "other-than-by hand" layer to your image. How many times have you been informed that the person you are talking to "cannot draw a straight line" (after you tell them you are a painter)I usually say that I can't either - that's why they invented rulers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart almost stopped when I first saw your pics of your painting with the pizza cutter. Not looking too closely, I thought it was a rotary cutter and you were cutting your painting! I either need stronger glasses or more coffee. Your technique for thin lines is great (and I'm glad you weren't cutting your painting!)
ReplyDeleteGary, thanks so much for your comments and encouragement! I'll have to try your matboard lines! I'm missing family and friends in N.C. - but have to admit Port Charlotte is a great place to be this time of year! Lots of activity in the art community here in the winter.
ReplyDeleteNancy, you gave me a chuckle and I'm still smiling, but I can see how you got that impression! After looking at more of your wonderful paintings, it seems your glasses are just fine! Thanks for the visit and the comments!
ReplyDeleteWell...aren't YOU the smart one? What a great idea for lines! I must try it!
ReplyDeleteYou did such a great job on this beautiful painting. Love the composition and the crop. The water is awesome!
Thanks Gwen! My motto is "whatever works"...Really appreciate your visit and your comments! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Rosemary! Your talent is Heaven-sent! This beautiful tribute to Jason warms the heart of all if us that love him. Again, BLESS YOU!
ReplyDelete