Posthumous Portrait

Carol Norton · 06-29-2008, 07:12 PM

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 · 06-29-2008, 07:42 PM

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 · 06-29-2008, 08:19 PM

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

I think this is a beautiful tribute to her.

Carol Norton · 06-29-2008, 10:34 PM

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 · 06-30-2008, 01:07 AM

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 · 06-30-2008, 09:58 AM

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.