Ellen

Garth Herrick · 07-06-2006, 06:35 PM

I know this portrait is a little out of season for the summertime, but Ellen is a portrait of a sweet lady at 93, going on 94, which began as an auction donation. Sadly, Ellen passed on last year, but having had the chance to get to know her briefly and begin her portrait was a joy, and I hope she would approve of it. She posed for some photos and the intention was to have a few sittings, but alas, that was never to be. So at last, she is finished, and smiling to celebrate with the rest of us. Enjoy! Tonight, I deliver her.

38" x 26", oil on linen

Garth

Allan Rahbek · 07-06-2006, 06:59 PM

Garth,
93, and the humor intact, she must have had a good life.

I feel that her whim is suggested in the composition of different objects and colors. All in a perfect harmony ,typically you.

Allan

Garth Herrick · 07-06-2006, 07:04 PM

Thanks, Allan! You made my day, as I leave to deliver this to her folks.

Best,

Garth

Mike McCarty · 07-06-2006, 07:19 PM

Very nice Garth, I like this very much.

Her family is oh so lucky to have had you there.

I love the old timers, I worked with an 85 year old lady recently and had a ball. I think the most interesting people on earth are old women.

Alexandra Tyng · 07-06-2006, 08:14 PM

Garth, this is great! I love her expression, her posture, and her hands.
You have integrated the background so well. The edge of the mantel and the corner of the painting kind of tug at each other, establishing a tension and balance from left to right. The whimsical Christmas stuff and the painting of the boat all hint at her spirit and taste and years of collecting homey objects. One thing I keep smiling at is the contrast between her smile and the mouth of the caroling doll on the mantel. That's such a priceless touch! I am sure this family will be happy to have Ellen still in the room with them.

Garth Herrick · 07-06-2006, 11:26 PM

Dear Mike, and Alex,

Thank you both! I have painted a few "old" ladies recently, and I quite agree they can be so thoroughly interesting as subjects! The caroling figures must represent the son and daughter-in-law, who are life-long choristers, he being interested in sailing too; so it all fits!

I have returned from the delivery of this painting, and it was greeted with a little awe and adulation, by two of Ellen's sons. "Oh my God" was followed by "Oh my GOD; OH-MY-GOD!" "Mother is about to SPEAK!"

We had a toast to the portrait, much as Ellen would have done in life. I think her family was pleased with Ellen's image, which is in turn satisfying to me; that's always a good feeling.

Garth

David Draime · 07-07-2006, 12:01 AM

Garth, this is wonderful! I'm fascinated by the paint handling in this one - it seems a bit more "painterly" than the rest of your work. Are you on a "Rembrandt" curve in your life, or is this just a temporary departure from your normal mode of working?

Anyway, it's fabulous. I love seeing everything you post. One of these days I'll have to make a pilgrimage to Philly to see some of these masterpieces in person.

David

Terri Ficenec · 07-07-2006, 12:10 AM

So vibrant and alive, Garth! I'm not surprised her family was thrilled. Beautifully done.

Garth Herrick · 07-07-2006, 12:43 AM

Dear David and Terri:

The very two artists who have produced the most memorable and compelling portraits of older women! I am most humbled and honored by your replies. David, I just can't paint like you do so well. I am by default a little on the loose side. I am not striving to be as great as Rembrandt, but appreciate your generous comparison. I did a lot of quick repainting and reassesments at the end, which accounts for that somewhat deconstructive painterly quality. If I gave it another week of devotion, it surely would be tighter and sharper.

Thanks,

Garth

Carlos Ygoa · 07-07-2006, 09:09 AM

Wonderfully done...that smile is so candid and genuine...her personality reads so well in your representation of her. I agree with David Draime