Posthumous Portrait

[Carol Norton]

Many of us at one time or another, have been asked to paint a posthumous portrait. These portraits are difficult for many reasons, not the least of which is the usual poor reference material. The portrait that I am posting is one that I recently did of my 94 year old mother whom I lost in April. My photo. My choice to do something for someone whom I love even with the photo taken in a fairly dark room. As she was blind and frail, taking her elsewhere for better lighting wasn't an option. I would be most appreciative for any comments and suggestions.

[Chris Saper]

Carol,

You have done a spectacular job on your mom's portrait in many ways.

Not only did you have a pretty dreadful resouce photo, but your lively interpretation is as fresh as if you had painted her from life.

Your painting is a moving tribute to her. Wonderful piece.

[Mary Ann Archibald]

You portrait really touched me. I'm so sorry you lost your mom.

I think this is a beautiful tribute to her.

[Carol Norton]

Thank you Chris and Mary Ann, for your very kind comments.

This, most certainly, was an important portrait for me as I truly wanted to represent her in a way that SHE would have loved. She didn't want me to take her picture to paint her as she thought she appeared ugly. (She was blind.) I took her photo surreptitiously. She was aware of her appearance until the moment she died. She used to ask me, at age 94, if blueberry muffins were fattening. I lied to my mother without shame.

My mother lived in California in the Motion Picture Health & Welfare Home, and as I now live in Arizona, this portrait was a huge deviation from the normal funeral routine. At 94, she had run out of people who would attend a California service as well as a person who would present it for the few remaining relatives. My odd-ball way to let people know of her death was to send out cards with this portrait on the cover and a note re: her loving relationship with her family to all who knew her. (Of course, I wrote it and the obituary for the L.A. Times, too, which was included in the card.)

Gratefully, I can say, my portrait of her, of whatever quality level it was, was my only way of expressing gratitude for a mother who loved her children unconditionally.

Some posthumous portraits are VERY IMPORTANT to those who love the person to be painted. This portrait was very important to me.

Every time we paint a posthumous portrait, it, probably will have more than the average importance.

[Linda Brandon]

What a wonderful story, Carol. I'm so glad I spotted this thread tonight.

The portrait of her is full of life and energy, with direct and fresh paint handling. At the same time, it manages to be tender and insightful - you haven't dwellled on wrinkles and "age", you've celebrated a youthful spirit here. Your mother would be so proud to have had this painted by her daughter.

[Carol Norton]

Thanks so much, Linda! Your comments reflected just what I hoped would come across in this painting. Posthumous portraits often pose a multitude of challenges, especially when attempting to please clients who knew the subject. In this case, of course, I had the advantage of knowing her, but often the artist does not. I'd be interested to read how others have overcome challenges inherent in these kinds of portraits. I've painted a lot of "dead dogs," and although they are tough too, they certainly not as difficult as people painted from photos supplied by clents.

[Patricia Joyce]

Carol,
Your portrait of your mother is so full of life. I instantly liked it and felt I would have likes her. You infused the image with personality which was sadly missing in the photo. What a gift you have given yourself! It makes me want to pull out pics of my mother and do the same...

I am in a difficult posthumous portrait commission right now. The mother wants one of her 17 mos old who was actually murdered by a babysitter nine years ago. She had two other children she wants done, but wishes to begin with her lost child. The problem is she keeps putting off getting together to look at images. I believe it must be harder for her that she may have imagined and I don't know what else I can do to help her. She is not returning my call at the latest attempt for I feel all I can do is leave her to her own decisions.

Personally I feel that posthumous portraits are the greatest gift we can present a loved one. In many ways I like doing them more than any other portrait. I have only done a couple them, but hope to do more.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Carol, the painting has the expression of freedom. Grate job!

[Carol Norton]

Pat and Mischa, your comments certainly mean a lot to me.

Pat, that mother must be in a big struggle to make that baby "real" again. I had a similar problem with a client over a dog..... yes, a dog that had died. (That one took 6 months to decide to go ahead with the portrait.) I found that I couldn't make any value judgments and learned that grief is grief, no matter who or what it is over. You might drop her a note, letting her know you understand what a difficult experience this is for her and suggest that she start out a little easier on herself by and letting you paint one of her present children first. After you have shown her your beautiful work, she can let you know when she is feeling strong enough to have you paint her lost child. That's pretty powerful and emotional stuff and having an objective portrait of the baby just may make her relive the experience. Just a thought. A handwritten note with one of your portraits on the front, may be just the ticket to get her restarted in a different direction.

Thanks again, Mischa, for the perfect words. You were able to see my intent!

[Peter Dransfield]

Great colours and brushwork and most of all it is full of life and I cannot think of a better tribute than that.