Dino and 2 children

John Bruso · 05-26-2002, 05:16 PM

Hi Guys,

My wife Mara is just starting out as a portrait artist. This is actually her very first original oil painting. Thoughts?

Thanks,
John

"This painting was my first attempt at an original oil painting. It followed a "practice run" in which I copied a painting by illustrator Mike Wimmer to get a feel for the medium. I took my time on this one. From the first photography shoot to the day I signed my name at the bottom, it took me 13 months to complete. My intentions were to make this my big debut piece, so I chose an image that I knew was going to get everyone's attention.

The dinosaur is so interesting because he isn't quite fearsome but he doesn't really look like a cute playmate, either. I love how he intrudes into the world of the children just enough to get his nose caught by a bit of the lamplight. Of course, the kids are my son, Taylor, and daughter, Annie. Surrounding them are toys I have tripped over many times and favorite blankets homemade by family members. My favorite part of this painting? Look closely

Bryan Morgan · 05-28-2002, 04:21 PM

Mara,

I really like the dino he adds alot of spice to the piece. The bold colors used really accents the dark areas. Your painting is very similar to a series that I'm working on titled "Through the eyes of a child." It's 8 paintings that capture reality and the imaginations of children. You should continue with the same style, you definitely have an eye of an illustrator. Great job!

Karin Wells · 10-06-2002, 10:54 PM

Quote:

...I copied a painting by illustrator Mike Wimmer

Hmmmm....I don't quite understand why you did this. You obviously put a lot of effort into this work but you may have stepped on someone's copyrighted painting.

Anyhow, that aside, I really enjoy narrative painting and would like to see detail pictures of the children as they are hard to see on my computer screen. I would also like to see more of your original work. You obviously have much skill and talent.

Lon Haverly · 10-06-2002, 11:16 PM

Thirteen months is a long time. I do like your work, but I could not justify spending that much time on a single piece that I never could think of selling. It appears that you don't need to copy. You are quite proficient already. I am sure we would like to see some original work.