Friday, May 21, 2010

A Pastel Portrait for Today

"Granny Gray"
pastel on a 12" x 16" Ampersand pastelbord

I may have a few tiny tweaks on this one, but will let it sit around for awhile, while I look at it.  Done from a FLASH photo - which creates these dark shadows...where they wouldn't normally be.  Then it makes it hard to read where the edges of the figure are but I think, knowing my Granny Gray, it is correct.  She passed away many years ago.  A tiny lady, she often talked and expressed herself with her hands.  Miss you ♥Granny. 

14 comments:

Angela Elledge said...

My grandmother always told me, old people should only wear bright colors, which she did always, and I love that your Granny is doing such. Your portrait is beautiful and I love the strong color blocks.

Vern Schwarz said...

I really like this Pattie. Great colours and her expression is perfect. She looks like a person with a certain spark.

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Vern and Angela..I think this photo was taken around that time when there was that notion that you were to wear certain colors because you were a season of the year...I think she was a SPRING - like several of us in our family are, therefore, the pastels were to be worn...my mom and aunts saw to it that Granny was 'with it'. ☺

Unknown said...

Her name may be "Granny Gray" but she certainly seems to have such a light and bright personality in the loving way you painted her. Sorry you miss her. I know she is with you in spirit and digging her portrait.

Earthula said...

Wonderful. Her hands have the appearance of flittering.
But it is the marvelous face, Patti, that really shows Your affection.

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Sheila and Elaine. Her name was Geraldine Gray. She often told me I could find ways to get what I want in life, I just had to make up my mind and do it.

Leann said...

Wow, you really captured a personality in this one. Excellent!

r garriott said...

She looks like she would have been fun to have a conversation with. What a wonderful smile. You've captured both her style and personality.

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Leann and r...she did have a lot of style, r! Such a happy person.

Gwen Bell said...

What a delightful portrait! She looks like she loves life. Love that hand gesture!

Barbara said...

This is so expressive. It makes me chuckle too, because my husband is an inveterate hand-talker.

Anonymous said...

A true portrait not only looks like the subject, but captures their character. We didn't know her, but we already adore her. Love it!

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Gwen, Barb and Tracy. She always gave sound advice!

Susan Carlin said...

LOVE, love, love this portrait, Pattie. I think it's the brightest spot of my day so far.
Thank you for being out - you make my world a better place.

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