Meet Miss Nova Rae
8"x8" oil on canvas - gifted
Artist Note
Yes, I know,
this is a bit of a surprise
as I do not do portraits...
special and generous favor.
I knew I wanted to
show my appreciation
BUT,
what can you give someone
who has everything?
A painting?
Taste is so subjective
so the choice
had to be right.
What better than to capture
a moment in time
of her Special Treasure.
I loved painting Nova Rae.
It was a challenge for sure
but every time
I would see this child
I’d catch my breath.
Her eyes were large and thoughtful.
Her skin - perfect
and
she had the neatest outfits!!!
I knew I wanted to paint her.
My friend got teary-eyed when
I gave it to her.
It meant she liked it💕
8"x8" oil on canvas - gifted
Artist Note
Yes, I know,
this is a bit of a surprise
as I do not do portraits...
BUT
this is the
precious granddaughter
of a dear friend
who has done me aprecious granddaughter
of a dear friend
special and generous favor.
I knew I wanted to
show my appreciation
BUT,
what can you give someone
who has everything?
A painting?
Taste is so subjective
so the choice
had to be right.
What better than to capture
a moment in time
of her Special Treasure.
I loved painting Nova Rae.
It was a challenge for sure
but every time
I would see this child
I’d catch my breath.
Her eyes were large and thoughtful.
Her skin - perfect
and
she had the neatest outfits!!!
I knew I wanted to paint her.
My friend got teary-eyed when
I gave it to her.
It meant she liked it💕
It is of course an absolutely splendid gift and you have rendered the child so well. I can only imagine the surge of emotion from your friend. Gifts such as this are the priceless tokens of friendship with true meaning. I still have on my wall a painting of a Black-capped Chickadee done by my daughter’s closest and lifelong friend when she was fourteen years old. It is out of proportion and the bird is far too plump, but it is still very precious. Amy, the artist, went on to a career as the art director for a publishing company, and is now unfortunately suffering with MS. I have a good deal of quality art, but Amy’s picture, created just for me, will always be precious. I can think of nothing finer that you could have done.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time, David, to share such a heart warming story of your own gift receiving experience. My friend has a generous and loving heart like yours and the thought of it being appreciated for so long means a great deal to me.
DeleteA visit to your blog started my day off just right!! What a beautiful photo!!
No, tears meant she LOVED it, Julie. And what is not to love?
ReplyDeleteA painting of a loved one by an artist who paints from the heart is a win - win for your friend. I'm sure this painting will be treasured forever!
Thank you for those thoughtful words, Chris. They made me smile. LOVED your cloud painting. Is there anything you cannot paint - and so well too!,
DeleteWell you sly-foxy painter you. All this talk of not painting portraits was always a thin veneer, I guessed you could when you wanted ... and wow you certainly can. What a gift you have given: all the work and risk that goes into a portrait is a labour-of-love. Lovely post, Julie
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the good laugh you gave me, John! Always a great complement from a Brit when delivered with humor. Very happy you liked it though because you have the eye! What did you think of the wedding? I loved my vacation via TV to Winsor. The castle has never looked better. Sunshine no less and looks like true romance.
DeleteReally enjoyed a Royal Wedding where no heads-of-state or politicians were invited. Spent all day in front of the TV ... watching an American Preacher, Gospel Choir, Hollywood actors mingling with everyday people. They will be a force for good!
DeleteWow and wow Julie. I just love Miss Nova Rae. I can imagine your friend had to be moved by this special portrait. You are so talented friend. Portraits have to be one of the most difficult to paint. Hope you are having a lovely May day. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Debbie. Portraits are hard because if even the camera can capture an image we don't like - imagine the freehand brush. I measured every proportion and even though it looks like her to me, I wonder what the parents think? My friend loved it though and that made me happy. We are actually having a storm at the moment. The first rain in months. Much needed.
DeleteCongratulations on being the winner of those art materials. They looked fun.
Julie Ford Oliver [juliefordoliver@gmail.com]
ReplyDeleteOh Julie, this portrait is so very beautiful!! I wonder why you normally paint them as
you can do this as good as what you are painiting "normally"
The portrait is so very expressive and I love here wonderful green and thoughtful eyes
and everything else.
What a wonderful idea for a gift - and I believe that your friend got teary eyes…
All the best for you
Beo
PS. I turned my blog into a private one but I'll send you an invitation, just in case :)
I really appreciate this lovely communication, Bea. Please send me your private blog info. i missed connecting on your heading here. All the best for you too.
DeleteHow very, very special, just like the artist. Well done my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Blanche. I enjoyed painting the hat the most. i could be free with it. Love your yellow rose painting. The lovely grays make it glow.
DeleteWhat a captivating little face, and your painting of it is absolutely exquisite, Julie. Not only did you capture the soft skin, luminous eyes, and sweet lips to perfection, but you also painted that darling knitted hat beautifully. You say you don't often paint portraits, but one would think you did them all the time from looking at this one. I'm sure your friend was completely surprised, profoundly touched, and enormously delighted! It's fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I could write as well as you, dear Helene. This is so beautifully worded. I am going to print it out and keep it with my record of the painting.
DeleteHere is a big thank you and hug!
How could she not have liked it . This portrait is awesome , soft and beautiful lips and big expressive eyes, absolutely sweet and wonderful ! Do more please !
ReplyDeleteShe is even more beautiful in life. Thanks for noticing the important areas!
DeleteI was gobsmacked at the powerful portraits for your show.
Now, to me...I would love to paint like that.
Such a sweet painting, so thoughtful of you!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely breathtaking Julie!!! Wow...an amazing portrait and the best gift EVER!!! She's beautiful and a perfect candid pose! Congratulations on a gorgeous piece.... LOVE her crochet hat....
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! A lovely complement from a master portrait artist. Thank YOU so much, dear Hilda. The hat I enjoyed doing without worrying if it was right like on the face. My hats off to you Hilda. You have to measure, measure, measure!
DeleteIt's bloody brilliant! I'd come to tears too.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a fellow Brit. LOVE IT!!, thanks Lauren.
DeleteLooking forward to meeting you👌
you.
How awesome, Julie! I would get teary eyed as well. I'm sure she liked it more than she could say. You should do more portraits. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol.
DeleteI do enjoy your helpful posts regarding the diet. I enjoy all the participation from your followers too. A fun visit.
This portrait is great Julie! I am practicing portrait painting once a week and it is surely a challenge! Thanks for introducing us to Miss Nova Rae!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Teri. I find it difficult but it would get easier maybe if i did it once a week like you are doing. Your new painting is fabulous and i enjoyed seeing your process steps.
DeleteJulie! This brought tears to my eyes! I absolutley love it, and I can tell you my mom does as well! :) It's front and center in the dinning room. I'm so glad you two are friends and you have eachother in your lives. You are both special people and GREAT artists! Nova Rae is getting there too- filling pages up with scribbles everyday!
ReplyDeleteLove - Proud and teary-eyed dad, Jason :)
Thank you so much for the lovely words, Jason.. they mean a lot.. your daughter is very special - just like her grandmother❤️
Deletenice bright pinks :D and she has lovly eyes in the painting.
ReplyDeletepaintings of a loved one, human or otherwise make great gifts :)
Nice you mentioned you liked the eyes. Her eyes are what made me want to paint her. Wondering how your finals went?
Deletecould have been better lol but im done now :D
DeleteOh, this is so sweet. Well done, Julie. I'm sure she will treasure this!
ReplyDeleteTurns out she does treasure it - in fact the whole family does which is very nice for me.
DeleteLove your beautiful watercolor of the flowers. Amazing to think it is cool and rainy there. 100 degrees here!
The child is lovely and it must have been a pleasure to come up with this work, Julie, it was a surprise to see a portrait from you!
ReplyDeleteHa - a surprise for me too!
DeleteLove your new three works and the story of the power of the sun in your healing.
What an exquisite child! The portrait is out-of-this-world. Love her knitted cap and green eyes. What an extraordinary gift for a good friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. It is FABULOUS to see you are back painting and posting, Carol. I have always loved your work so it gave my day a lift to see your lovely carnations!
ReplyDelete