"The Teen Years"Watercolor
11" x 14"
This painting is a result of our last trip to the East Coast in May when we stayed for a time with my son's family. The granddaughters are now teens, and suddenly my son was bemoaning the loss of time with the girls as they engage in horse shows, theater, soccer, track, and school events; and Jamie acquired both a boyfriend and her license. They are wonderful girls and we are very proud of them.
Among the photos Bob took while in North Danville, Vermont, was one on the sun porch where you enter the 1930's Dutch colonial home at Millbrook Farm. Beth, a woodworker extraordinaire, had built this shelf with hooks that comes in handy, as you can see. I was very taken with how this little nook tells the story of the teen years. The horseshoes and halter are an important part of the girl's daily life with horses Sky, Free, and Spirit. The parasols are from Kelly's theater roles. The Biology book speaks volumes about the two who are top honor students. The photo did not contain the keys or the soccer ball, but could have, so they joined the detritus of daily life. Jamie is a dedicated soccer player, on both school and club teams, and now drives herself to various commitments.
I added some shadows and some soft washes to pull the piece together. I started this piece before I left for Scandinavia. Thanks to my Thursday night art group, I pushed forward, and put the finishing touches on it this afternoon.
8 comments:
I love everything about this, Mary. The whites and off-whites, the two bright parasols, and, especially, the triangle over the soccer ball.
Mary- it's fabulous! You have such an ability to tell a story with your paintings- an incredible gift. I love this piece.
It tells a wonderful story Mary. Well done and has such meaning. Sometimes that what its all about.
BJ
Hi Mary, Artfully done! You make the arrangement of objects look natural. Plus the story and meaning is so much fun.
What a special painting depicting the current time in your grandaughters' lives. This will sure be a special keepsake for your family.
Wonderful capture of the detritus of daily life for your grandchildren and your son's family. Lovely!
What a wonderful painting Mary! I love a painting that tells a story as this one has. The fact that it was painted from a personal feeling, makes it extra special and meaningful...
Thanks, my friends. Hallie pointed out a very interesting part of design, the shapes of negative spaces. Hallie, I have to admit that the design was intuitive and I lucked out. Your comment will help me think more about those shapes in the future.
When I saw Bob's photo, I thought, wow, that really says so much about the life the the family. I realize more and more that my paintings reflect the artist -- everything I paint has personal meaning to me.
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