Zoe

John Reidy · 05-25-2006, 03:20 PM

Here is a portrait I did of my grand daughter, Zoe. I painted this several months ago but didn't have an opportunity to photograph it until recently. I had some quick photos but they were just quick shots and not as true as this.

The painting measures 24"W x 36" H and is oil on stretched linen.

Janel Maples · 05-25-2006, 11:23 PM

What a beautiful little grand daughter you have. She likely doesn't know it now but will treasure this when she is older.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Janel

Linda Brandon · 05-26-2006, 11:58 AM

The more I look at this one, John, the more I like it - the turned-away face, the colors you used... I get a sense of this girl's personality. I also get a sense of the girl being under water or at least in front of an aquarium, which is probably not what you intended but I really like the effect.

John Reidy · 05-26-2006, 01:44 PM

Janet and Linda, thank you. I believe you're right, Janet, Zoe will grow to cherise it. Her mom and dad do already.

Most interesting comment, Linda, about the aquarium effect. You're right, too. I wasn't going for that effect and am now wondering what the source might be for that effect.

My first thought is my choice of keeping most of her in shadow and not bringing the shadows up so light that her skin and dress are more intense but instead are more subdued.

I tried to keep her dress in the light areas be the base highlight and to let all of the other values be based from there. I then tried to keep her arm (on our left) and her hair very hot since it is in direct sun. The flowers directly behind her are in shade and in our upper right background I greyed and softened that to keep it very much in the background.

Consequently it might appear that my effort to create a shadowed atmoshphere could be heavy handed and tipping it to the point of aquatic.

But, if you don't mind, Linda, I'll focus for now on your comment "I like it".

Thank you.

Alexandra Tyng · 05-27-2006, 11:02 AM

John,

The things that stand out for me are the wonderful softness of the light and shadows, and the way you have controlled color and value to produce this effect. The colors themselves--the soft greens, muted rose, the skin tones, the gold hair highlights and the white of the dress--are remarkable. There's a fairy-tale quality about the entire scene, reminiscent of the best 19th century book illustration. (I always get nervous comparing fine art to illustration, in case anyone is offended, but I do consider illustration a fine art and was shocked and outraged when, as a child, I was told that illustration was not a fine art.) Altogether a beautiful portrait and work of art.

John Reidy · 05-27-2006, 11:50 AM

Alex, thank you and no offense taken.

I'm reminded of the time in college in my life drawing class discussing my drawing with my proffessor when he asked who my favorite artists were. I answered Norman Rockwell and my proffessor immediately chided me by saying that he (Norman Rockwell) was not an artist.

In my unusual style I immediately dismissed him (my art professor) as a teacher.

Thanks for your very kind remarks.