Nancy Bea Miller
 

Here is a portrait I finished recently of my friend Nancy Bea, who is an artist known primarily for her still life and portraits/figurative works. I first did a color study from life, then photographed her at her kitchen table with her notebook in hand. I was attracted by the colors and by her contemplative mood. I included some details. This is my first attempt at Photoshop so I'm hoping the colors look okay.

This makes me think of a modern update of a lot of Mary Cassat's paintings. Women doing casual every day things. Similar coloration too, soft pastels, etc. Very nice!

Nancy Bea!
 

Dear Alex,

I am still groping for the right words to express my love for this thoughtful, inspired painting. I know Nancy Bea well too, and cannot imagine a better and more natural capture of her as a friend and fellow artist. You have given so much depth and context to her personality with these fully integral surroundings that evoke a functional sybiosis in their conversant relationship. The harmonious color theme of soft yellows and pale muted blues, being both quiet and playful at the same time, offers a revealing window into her intellectual intensity, and her effervescent creativity. This is such a multisensory treat. I am about to strike up a familiar conversation and exchange of ideas with your portrait and it feels like a perfectly natural thing to do! You know, I would love the opportunity to see this one in life. .......It is already endowed with a wonderful penetrating life!

Bravo,

Garth

Beautiful....

oodles of mood! and well executed!

I want more!
Tony

I feel like I have the vocabulary and artistic education of a two year old next to Garth's response so rather than really pegging myself as a complete idiot let me just say that I think your painting is beautiful.

Well, better go. I have to go buy the book "How to Speak So People Won't Think You're Stupid" which I believe is on sale.

Thank you, Michele, Tony, Garth & Lisa!

Lisa, forget buying the book, your portrait of the woman in the sari just spoke more eloquently than words. In fact all of you are superb artists and I value your comments more than I can say, so now I'm feeling a bit tongue-tied.

By the way, I forgot to say the portrait is 26" x 36".

Oh, yes, and Garth, you are welcome to come over to my studio any time. I'd like to see some more of your work in person too.

I don't know Nancy Bea, but, despite that, DITTO WHAT GARTH SAID.

In Person!
 

Well, I had the pleasure of meeting Alex today at her studio. She is very well set up with a generous flood of north light streaming through a bank of period double hung windows. Alex is as genuine an individual as one will ever meet, and we had an endless conversation about all aspects of art.

This portrait of Nancy Bea Miller just sparkled on her studio wall. The colors are even fresher in life, as you might imagine. It is always satisfying to see original art in person, just in front of you!

Thanks Alex,

Garth

Alex this is wonderful. In addition to the great gesture of your friend, it looks like you got to have tons of fun with all kinds of subject matter.

Lovely!