My grandma is fond of cardinals, so for Christmas I was going to do a cardinal painting for her. I've been making calling cards out of some of my drawings and giving them to family members. Well, I was struggling with my cardinal so I set it aside and didn't finish it in time for Christmas; plus, I got distracted by another idea, of doing portraits of the person on the calling card. I did a portrait of grandma instead of the cardinal. Her response? "That is AWFUL!" I finished the cardinal and am sending her replacement calling cards!
I am sure your portrait was wonderful but how nice of you to send something else too. The cardinal is fabulous! Such a terrific saturated red and the background is perfect for him.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I like the red too, and agree with Ann that the background really works well. What kind of new Watercolors did you get?
ReplyDeleteDitto! Lovely red bird!
ReplyDeleteThe grandma response was very "real" unfortunately. I've shied away for portraits of people I know just because I know they won't be happy with it...but it was brave of you! I clicked on the bird for a larger view and love how the eye ball/socket turned out!
ReplyDeleteI like it - that bird is so cute! I like the pen and the watercolor mixes - the soft, unfocused washes in the background, the texture in the bib and on the branches. I think it is a wonderful job! In the large view the bird (when you look close at his expression) seems none to pleased about having his portrait done either!
ReplyDeleteFunny story although probably not so funny for you! The cardinal is great. - Barbara
ReplyDeleteA beautiful cardinal- lovely tree and background too! And how nice of you to finish it for Grandma. I laughed and I felt pain. It stings a bit when someone is critical- but I admire you for taking the high road.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your Grandma loved this bird, then. Funny story, the way you told it. I can't wait until I'm old and can speak my mind with no fear of caring what people think! LOL.
ReplyDeleteWell I hope your Grandma is happy with this guy! He looks great.
ReplyDeleteNice cardinal. Loved the red you used against the green background!
ReplyDeleteAbout your mother´s reaction it is so natural, and so common with me... You know, people don´t like seeing their own figure apart from the mirror. Even the photography seems not to please all their beauty expectations. Last 2007 I did a portrait to my sister. She said it was not her, but she would keep because she liked the colors. You can imagine my frustration! But here I am, trying. Every single day!
I'm guessing you didn't get your artist's sensitivity from that side of the family ;)
ReplyDeleteSometimes I say the same thing, only it's when I'm looking in the mirror. Re the cardinal... you painted a nice contrast of textures between cardinal/branch detail and looseness in background, and your colors are poppin'.
Caught my breath when I saw this - that wonderful colour when all here is white and grey at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! The color on the cardinal is rich and deep. My favorite is the combination of the ink and color...probably because it is easier for me to see these days. Things with outlines are clearer. Thank you for sharing this. Looks like you were sitting in my yard when you did this piece.
ReplyDeleteFrankye
You came out on top. The bird is terrific and you had the insight to just understand that grandma can be cranky. She probably was not loving herself that day.
ReplyDeleteThe bird looks terrific! It's too bad she was so vocal on the portrait. My sister had me paint a folk art box once and after she had me change this little thing, then that one and then another.... I decided the heck with painting for family. If I paint something and they like it fine, they can have it but I won't do it on request and I can see I'll leave their portraits alone!
ReplyDeleteOnly a grandma can get away with that :-) Your cardinal is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy niece told me once after I did an acrylic painting for her daugther's nursery - a very successful painting I might add that took hours and hours and had me up until 11pm - that I should sell those in a flea market for $10.00!!! She has never received another painting!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that we EDM'ers ought to paint each other! But then the group might be torn apart! lol.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love that red!
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job on the cardinal, and the choice for the background is perfect. Well done! nancy
ReplyDeleteI'm sure she'll love her cardinal, he's beautiful :o)
ReplyDeleteLOL - leave it to grandmas! I bet it was great. The cardinal is lovely. Love that red!
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