I’ve finished Erik’s portrait. The sittings, about an hour each day over Spring break, were a wonderful shared experience, but frankly more so for myself than the subject!
Erik was a trooper, but at 14, being painted by your father is not a high priority when compared with all the other things that teenagers have to occupy themselves. And I can agree with that. However, that being understood, at one point I reminded him of the investement he was making. It’s not about today, my son. After I’m gone, this will remind you of a sliver of time that has truly passed like the wind. In hindsight, the time spent sitting will seem like nothing, and that’s when you’ll be really glad we got together on this project. Trust me.
Erik at 14 Oil on linen 20 x 16″
Once or twice I thought that the sittings might actually cause him to explode somehow. Boys aren’t psychically built for posing, not at 14, and I remained pretty sympathetic throughout. 12 minutes on the model stand, 5 minute break was the pattern Next time, if I can get up to bat again, I’d like to get him playing guitar or something characteristic of his interests.
My goal, to directly create a simple and fresh likeness with as little fussing as possible, is largely realized. It’ll get signed today, and then we’ll wait a couple months for varnish. The frame is under construction, a fairly simple 2″ poplar moulding I designed. I’ll post that when the time comes.
3 Comments
I made a portrait sculpture of my youngest son when he was 14. I paid him to sit but even so the sessions were short and few. I am so glad that I made the portrait.
I agree, Polly. I often recall the statement that Andrew Wyeth made, about not having “really painted” his own father when the opportunities may have been there, and that’s been a sobering thought.
In addition, I find that much of the portrait work I admire is the off-the-meter, less formal paintings of the great portrait artists. Velasquez’ “Juan de Pareja” is a good example, painting his own manservant while waiting for the Pope’s schedule to clear up.
I want to see those paintings.
In this one of your son, there is fire but soft, intense and clear. 14 is a unique age for boys. The yellow heats up into the white, skin glows, and the eyes, marvelous structure in your work.