Posthumous
 

This was a long distance commission from a husband wanting to give his wife the portrait of her last year gone father as a birthday gift. The client didn't have too many reference photos, and the ones he provided me by email were taken with flash.
I took the job anyway and tried to show the old man with a happy appearance leaving a message like "you know I am OK" to his daughter. Might have worked, because today I've got a quite emotional phone call. Achieved.
Oil, 30cm x 40cm.

Hi Ant,

Are you saying it is completed? Did you just send a photo of it, or did you send the actual painting? If it is out of your hands we could move this to the "Unveilings" section. What do you think?

Moderator's note: I have moved this topic to the Unveilings Section on 7/1/06.

Hi Alexandra,

I've sent the actual painting. It was shipped on Tuesday (framed as in this pic bellow) to Rio Grande do Sul, about 1500km South from here. It took 3 days to get there. The husband had not told his wife about the painting, so it was quite a surprise when she opened the pack.

Should I have posted in the Unveilings section? Can you move it? Please do what you think is better.
Kind regards from Brazil,

Ant

Ant,

This is such a beautiful, sensitiv work. I can totally see how it must have moved the daughter.

Yes Ant,

That's a beautiful, very sensitive portrait! It's perfect. It is so nice to see you in your studio.

Garth

Ant,
I agree with everybody else, this is a very fine portrait of an old charmer. He will live forever because of you.

Allan

Such a warm portrayal Ant! very moving!

Thanks for the encouraging words, guys.
And Alex, thank you for correcting the title ;)

Good inspiration all,

Ant

Ant,

I agree with all, a beautiful, fine portrait.

I am amazed at the remarkable success of such a challenging job. Please note that I am keeping an eye out for more of your work. I will sign off as a new fan and hopefully student who still has a lot to learn.

Inspiring...
 

This would be an impressive portrait if it had been done using excellent reference material. Since I know you accomplished this with less than ideal reference, I can say it is outstanding. I love it! I am preparing to start my first posthumus commission, and this work gives me a high bar to reach for. Congratulations.
Louise