Thursday, August 19, 2010

Painting: Portrait of Scarlett


Of all the nesting projects on my list, this was perhaps the most important to me. Strange I know, as it doesn't seem to have much to do with a new baby, but I really, REALLY, wanted to finish a portrait of Scarlett before her baby sister arrived. I painted a portrait of Audrey a couple years ago and thought I should get Scarlett's completed so as not to be "behind" with two to do. There is also something about an increased focus on Scarlett as I'm worried about her transition from baby to middle child!

So I am so thrilled that I have finished this Portrait of Scarlett:


There is something so joyful about working on a portrait of someone you love. It becomes a meditation of sorts. I was able to spend hours observing her features, the personality in her stance, the coloring. I worked from some photographs I took and think this one of Scarlett on the push trike really captures her energy and confidence. She's a take-charge kind of little girl!


There is also something unnerving about working on a painting of a subject you love. My expectations are always that much higher and I am more concerned about a strong likeness, not just a good painting in itself. I had to gear myself up every time I set to paint--try and boost my confidence for the task. I was happy, however, that this seemed to go better than expected. There are parts of the painting that bothered me but surprisingly, her face came fairly easily.


Scarlett is at such a beautiful age and it's so fun to compare her to her older sister at the same age (Audrey was actually a few months younger in hers, but you wouldn't realize it given her thick head of hair!). The paintings reveal a lot I think about their different moods and personalities. And their coloring is so different! One of the many fun things about children: they are so individual. (But these two have the same cute rosebud mouth.)


Scarlett recognizes herself in this painting and seems to be pleased to have it hanging on the wall next to her sister's.


I love the chubby hands and feet at this age!


And I love that Scarlett's hair forms ringlets now!



It was fun to incorporate the push trike in this painting. I love the portraits of Sargeant that have the subjects in an environment, especially the ones of children. I didn't do quite that, but I'd like to sometime. I wanted this one to be compatible next to Audrey's, and I think it is, but I've got plans for other portraits--can't wait to do one of the three girls together!

When I last posted a painting (the Hollyhocks) someone suggested that I share a "tutorial" about it. Not really possible in my mind, but, it gave me the idea to document the progress of this painting. I haven't done that before--I've always thought I wanted to keep it under wraps until it was finished and not reveal the process or struggles along the way. But I've decided to share it, and it's kind of fun to see how the painting emerged--areas of focus, corrections, changes... If you're interested in a glimpse of the work as it progressed every few hours click below.




This painting is 20"x24"-- so Scarlett is close to life-sized, which is how I prefer to paint a portrait.






18 comments:

Chestnut Sparrow said...

It is gorgeous, you are an amazing artist!

peawink said...

Oh my goodness, I am in awe and moved to tears by the beauty of your painting!

Kara said...

Speechless. You are amazing. What a precious thing to do for your girls.

Unknown said...

Ahhh, your blog is such a breath of fresh air. Could you be any more talented? This picture is gorgeous (as are your girls) and will truly be a treasure for many years to come. Wonderful job!

Lindsay

Krista said...

Breathtaking. I have never met this sweet girl but I feel like it just looking at this gorgeous painting. What a special thing to do for your daugther. She will treasure it.

Taylor Warnick said...

I love this!

Lauren said...

Holy cow! You just keep getting more amazing. I love these, and wish I could hire you to paint my own children.

Ashley said...

You are amazing! This is so beautiful Anneliese! I love paintings of children, but one done by their own mother...a true treasure. You are truly amazing.

@jenhalloran said...

I LOVE that you included the painting progression, particularly the transformation in the last two images with the addition of her amazing eyes. You did such an incredible job of capturing her baby-ness, yet giving her such a deep, soulful gaze. I continue to be in awe of your countless talents; thank you for sharing them here! xoxo

Anonymous said...

What an amazing talent!!! You are such an inspiration. I have made your sweater and hats and have appreciated all you do. Your art work is breathless and so precious.

Leigh Anne said...

I can't believe you painted that! It is so amazing!! What a treasure for years to come ;)

Alex said...

Beautiful, thanks for sharing.

Lori said...

You are so inspiring. This is the fourth post I've read and I'd love to read more,but now I need to go take a painting, sewing, knitting and cooking class.

=)

Ayse said...

This painting is so amazing, its so beautiful, I wish I could paint like this.

Vanilla said...

Your paintings are so beautiful. So fresh, so uptdated... very delicate.

sallie kate said...

Beautiful work! Very inspiring. Thanks for letting us take a peek into your world :)

Linnea said...

What beautiful work! Thank you for sharing pictures of some of the stages in your painting. I'm so inspired!

leahsoutherland said...

I know this is an old post, but I just found your blog and I am inspired by your paintings. I really like your style. And the portrait is so lovely. You have inspired me to finally start the portraits of my boys (and dogs) that I have been meaning to do for years now. They are 3 and 5 years old and I want to capture them at this age. Thanks for the inspiration. And I'll be sure to frequent your blog!

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