Trey
 

This is a recent painting of my son, Trey. The reference picture was taken at Atlantic Beach overlooking the sound. The size is 20 X 30 and it's oil on linen.

thanks for looking!

Renee

What a beautiful, peaceful portrait.

Renee,

What impresses me most about this portrait is that the value range is controlled so well. I think this, along with your son's expression, is what gives it such a subdued, meditative mood. I can feel the atmosphere and smell the sea air.

Dear Renee,

I love this painitng, I love your restraint in color and value. The narrow color harmony supports the painting. I continue to go back to the horizon line, back and forth, and I think I like the tension it contributes to the painting.

So nice to see you back:)

Lacey, Alexandra, and Chris, thank you all for your wonderful comments! My goal for this painting was a feeling of serenity. I take pictures of my boys all the time, looking for that one that's a painting. Most of the time, as kids do, they pose when they see a camera on them. This time I was lucky and caught Trey off guard. I knew before I focused the camera that this was exactly what I wanted to paint. I just held my breath and hoped I could capture the peacefulness in his face before he noticed me. Like I said, I got lucky. :)

I went back and forth about how strong the horizon line should be. The composition was so triangular and right (our right) heavy that I wanted something to break that up and bring the eye back to the left. That coupled with the small value range, and my reluctant 'in-house' model, I was able to play with the painting more than I would if it was a commission. I knew if I messed it up, it was no big deal!

Alexandra, congratulations on your second honor award at PSA! Beautiful painting!

And Chris it's always good to hear from you! I love your recent work!

thanks again!

Renee

Thank you, Renee! Just keep painting--we need more women getting awards.

Dear Renee,

As Alex suggests, this looks like an award winner to me. So strong, peaceful, and contemplative. I love it! It seems like a Whistler by many of its good qualities.

Garth

Besides the overall color harmony, I love the clear use of purple and yellow in the white shirt. Brava.

Thank you all very much! After the awards you both have received recently, 'competition worthy' is a huge complement!

Thanks again!

Renee

Very nice Renee! Calm, cool, and refreshing.
Interesting, I noticed that you signed it at the top. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that.

Thank you, Heidi! I looked at your website--you do very nice work!

Renee

Renee--

You've progressed tremendously since we first met...this is a winner!

-TE

I entered "Trey" in the Best of Artist national competition in the emerging artist category, and it was a winner!! :) I was thrilled when I found out, so it was very hard to stay silent until the winners were announced on their website. "Trey" will be featured in their book, Best of America Oil Artists & Artisans, which will be available later this year. (we don't have a dancing smiley icon, so picture one here ;) )

Renee

PS Tom, you must have sent me some good luck!

Congratulations, Renee! And what a wonderful, cool, pale high-key palette in this painting, I love the mood of it. I'm so glad you are getting some recognition for your work and some national exposure!

Awesooooooommme!
 

You are so terrific and I love that you are being acknowledged for it. Heart and desire are things that can't be trained; with them there is nothing we can't achieve. You inspire me through your example!

Terrific, Renee!

This painting stands out!

Garth

Congratulations!

Renee, this is such wonderful news for an exceptional painting! Congratulations!

Congratulations, Renee!
It's a beautiful painting!

Congratulations Renee!!
 

This was a winning portrait from the start - and since I know Trey - I can say it not only looks like him - you have really captured his personality perfectly (except he is being still, haha).

This portrait shows your perseverance and meticulous attention to detail, value and that "soft" effect you achieve so well. As others here have said, the color is beautiful and so complimentary to the figure.

Such a great compliment to an accomplished painter, Renee. You deserve it so much!

Denise :thumbsup:

Like I said...

Many congrats!

Wow!! Thank you all so much! Coming from such accomplished and talented artists, your praise is very encouraging! Marvin, I'm glad to see you back, and you know how much I value your opinion, so your reply means a lot to me--thank you. Denise, you've seen this painting since the beginning, and you know the ups and downs. Thanks for listening and all the input you've given me over the years.

Thank you all again! :)

Renee