Parker & Marshall
 

Below is a just finished portrait of two boys, Parker and Marshall, brothers. The mother hasn't viewed it yet. She is scheduled to see it first thing in the morning.

It mesures 22" x 36" and is oil on linen.

John, great job! Nice setting, good values, the figures dominate even though you have two pilers behind them. Waytogo.

Thank you, Mischa. The mother came the next day and had a similar reaction with one exception.

She said that the older boy, Parker, just wasn't him. After discussing the topic I was able to discern her viewpoint and I promised to satisfy her. I felt pretty sure that I would be able to achieve her approval'

After somme minor adjustments I invited her to view it again. This time she was happy. "That's them!" she stated.

I'm reposting the painting along with some close-ups for your viewing.

John,

This is such a well-thought-out and feelingful portrait. I like the way the light values (light shirts, faces, white columns) are massed together around the focal point. You show the relationship between older adolescent brother and younger pre-adolescent brother so well, and the personality differences are suggested, too. It's a really fine piece of work, and I am so glad the parents like it.

I like this also, John. I'm admiring the way you put the older brother a step down so that his head is more level with the younger brother as a compositional device. I also admire the way you've confidently managed the fabric folds.

Thank you, Alex.

At first, upon seeing the boys and the shirts they were wearing, I was concerned. Once they got into position and we tried various poses I became less and less worried. And when we hit this particular pose I was thrilled.

The shirts are an extension of the boys. Parker, the older boy, identifies with the color blue. His eyes are blue (not that you can tell in the painting) and his favorite color is blue.

Marshall is the same with green.

The colors were even more important to the mother.

This will be a surprise for the father. He will receive it on his and his wife's wedding anniversary November 29th. We had some close calls avoiding him during the photography and the color study.

Ed, the father, was at work through the process and I missed bumping into him by 15 minutes painting the boys color study.

By the way, the reference material was composed of 4 different photographs and the color study.

Linda,

Thank you for those kind words.

As I mentioned to Alex, we tried several different poses.

This was the obvious best choice and I knew it as soon as I saw it. I felt that the mother needed to see other options in order to be convinced. It was gratifying when she responded as I hoped.she would. Too many times in my advertising career the client chose the lesser option.

John--

Great, balanced setup, with a warm spirit. Well done!

(See you in Raleigh.)

Thanks, Tom,

I must tell you that you are one of those whom I give credit for any measure of success in my pursuit of painting portraits. And with that in mind it is with great humility that I say thank you.

I am looking forward to seeing you and everyone else in Raleigh.