Brother & Sister

Janel Maples · 08-16-2004, 05:36 PM

Hello,

I really had problems trying to post these images for some reason so I was not able to post them in the critique section like I wanted to. So, unfortunately I can not do anything to change them if someone points out something that should be changed because they are already out the door.

Both are 16 x 20 oil on linen.

This was a very exciting project for me. I have taken the leap of accepting money for something I love to do. That's right, this is my first commission.

I delivered them last Friday and the mother cried.

That made me cry.

I welcome any comments even though these are in the Unveiling's section. I can use the information for future reference.

Thanks for looking.

Mary Sparrow · 08-16-2004, 08:22 PM

They are beautiful! No better compliment than tears from the Mom.
Congratulations.

Linda Brandon · 08-16-2004, 08:45 PM

Janel, these are at least a hundred times better than my first commissions. I especially like how you've caught that blue reflection on the girl's jaw and have kept it in the correct value range. Congratulations on two lovely paintings!

Joan Breckwoldt · 08-16-2004, 09:23 PM

Hi Janel,

These are both just beautiful. Congratulations on your commissions! From the looks of these you will have a long waiting list before you know it, if you don't already have one.

Joan

Janel Maples · 08-16-2004, 11:05 PM

Mary, Linda and Joan,

Thank you for the compliments, praise is so good for me, and greatly appreciated.

Linda, you pointed out the blue reflection in the little girl's jaw, I do need to give credit where credit is due; being able to keep that in the correct value is one of the many valuable bits of information I learned from Marvin.

Joan, long waiting list? A list of one so far, but my fingers are crossed. Unfortunately, now that I am charging, my list got smaller. : ) Not a big surprise. Oh well, one is all I can work on at one time anyway. I am thrilled to bits to have it and can't wait to start painting. I am still studying her photo. I have it posted in the photo critique section titled "Goldie Locks". She is absolutely beautiful, and has the personality to match. She will be fun.

Thanks again, what a boost for me. Hee, hee.

Kimberly Dow · 08-17-2004, 11:16 PM

Congratulations! A crying mom...that is special.

Marvin Mattelson · 08-22-2004, 10:42 PM

Hi Janel,

I've been digging through the threads to try and catch up on what I missed while I was away, teaching in Atlanta. Congratulations on your first commission. I think you've done a beautiful job. I particularly like the little girl. The progress you've made since you first posted the portrait of your daughter has been exciting to see. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to seeing upcoming commissions.

The most compelling thing about painting, for me at least, is that there is never an end to my own self improvement and growth. How boring it would be otherwise. Better than a roller coaster.

But I caution you to be careful letting on to people that you love what you do so much. They may start asking you to pay them.

Janel Maples · 08-24-2004, 01:06 AM

Thank you Marvin,

Yes, this first paying portrait for me was a big step. Not because I got it, but because I accepted it. As you know, I turned down a family of five (and two dogs) not too long ago because I did not feel I was ready to do as good of a job as I would have wanted to do for them. I knew I could do an OK job, but I want to do better than OK.

I wish I could express in words how my progress has made me feel. I love knowledge. There is so much more that I understand today than when I first posted here. And what an exciting journey I am on, there is so much more to learn and understand in the years to come. I have come to the realization that as long as I am able to take a breath and can still hold a paint brush, I will NEVER again be bored. What a great feeling that is. Yes, better than a roller coaster.

I am not capable of not letting people know how much I love what I am doing. You met me, this stuff excites me. It is not something I can contain. Also, I am not doing this so I can get paid, I am doing this because it is in me to do.

You have helped me a great deal; this is not a secret nor will I ever forget it.

Marvin Mattelson · 08-24-2004, 08:39 PM

As you well know I love this stuff too.Enthusiasm is its own reward.