I finished up an oil portrait of my mother-in-law Betsy this week. The intent of this portrait wasn't to create a formal portrait for posterity. What I really wanted to capture was a particular mood and feeling. I'll leave it up to you to decide what you see or feel in this painting.
The title is "Tot Ziens", which means see you later in Dutch. It was a phrase she often said to us.
29 comments:
She looks sassy, Peggi! (In a good way, of course!) She really looks like she's getting ready to say something clever to someone. You did a wonderful job on this portrait!
This is a beautiful portrait. A lot of character comes through.
The portrait of your mother in law is exquisite!!! Wow, wow, wow!
I didn't know you had a Dutch mother in law (I am Dutch) - and I recognize her Dutch features:)
Yes, tot ziens, Peggi:)
Wow! I really like the movement and expression in this portrait. Great title, too.
Bill, Lauren and Holly-
Thank you very much!
Jeannete-
Dank je wel! What part of the Netherlands are you from?
She's beautiful Peggi! You can feel her character coming off the canvas! Your portraits are amazing!
Fantastic portrait. Not sure what she might be thinking but I get a feeling of a strong, intelligent woman looking back at me. Loved the watercolor cats, too!
What I feel from this touching portrait, is strength, self contained presence and honesty. Let me know if I've guessed right. You did a wonderful painting and suggested a softness interwoven with her power with the pale blues.
This is a wonderful portrait Peggi. I can feel the character of this woman shining through.
Hi Peggi,
A very personal portrait, with dignity and strength, no matter what else... Very emotional... Love it! Your last few posts have been fantastic...
Love the portrait! I feel like she is kind of sassy and ready to speak her mind! Love the brushstrokes around her hair.
fantastic.. full of personality and spirit!!
First wonderful cat portraits and now this of your lovely Dutch lady Betsi. I feel she could see right through me - if I wasn't being completely honest with her she would know in an instant. A very astute but considerate lady anyone could rely on... but with a mix of wit and fun. Love the colours and tones you used. My heaven, you are brilliant.
That is stunning work, Peggi. You captured her soul here.
Peggi, this is brilliant! Such soul and spirit in this portrait!
Beautiful and very 'telling' expression.
Vikki
Great portrait, you have captured a lot of charecter here Peggi welcome to my blog, I will be back here often...
Dunno about Dutch features LOL, but this is just beautiful. Fabulous work! Thanks for visiting my blog, as now I've found yours to enjoy too!
I'll keep visiting.
My old school music teacher was called Habets, but I think its a fairly common name in Holland...;D
Peggi: I had better hurry and finally tell you how much I like this before you take it off. She is smart and tough and I wish I had known her. She is lucky to have a portrait like that (formal or not). Now she has become someone to everyone, not just her family and friends.
Thanks everyone. Betsy would have fun reading all the comments about her. Graham and Sophie, thanks for stopping by. I've enjoyed the artwork on your blogs. I'll be back.
Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! This is all new to us, but alot of fun.
And....WOW! Your work is amazing! Portrait painting is not an easy thing to do but you definitely have the eye for it! The use of colors, attention to details and expressions are incredible! We'll definitely be back!
Thanks Again!
It must be something with actual age because my mother looked a lot like this. Something in the expression. It is beautiful work.
Pick a Peck of Pixels
i just stunt.wow how nice the ppainting is.. it is look like original. i must say wow!.
I thought she looked done... ready
and then I read the information that she passed over..
If you were trying to show a readiness to get on with something..it sure came through to me...
I think she knew where she was going, looks totally NOT fearful..
great job..lovely colors.. I think she liked it..
shari
spiderewebquilting@gmail.com
I really like the picture. It shows her strength, age, determination, yet vulnerability without being just a pretty picture.
I believe she is showing that wisdom and mystique, that sometimes older women hold loosely in their inner selves. You know it's there, you want to tap into it...and when it slips away, you wish you could have savored it for eternity. That's the feeling I get when I look at this one, Peggi. I have spent more time with my own mother lately, and she has just about the same thoughful gaze. You captured it marvelously.
Wow. She seems like a woman who knows who she is. Sassy, yes, but full of wisdom. You are amazing, my dear Peggi.
Hi Peggi,
How are you?
This is wonderful - I particularly love the color scheme and judicious use of hard and soft/lost edges. Beautiful work!
Fabulous, stunning portrait. Can't stop looking at it...mesmerising!
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