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| Portrait #60 ©2011 Toni Ruppert 20 x 24″ Oil Painting (on Canvas) |
Today and in the next post, I show you the “secrets” to how my painting can help get beyond a less than ideal situation. My painting also goes through a less than pretty stage and I will share this too.
Knowing the story behind each piece and having rituals (things I do all of the time) are just a few “secrets” to getting beyond this.
What's this painting’s story?
My friend Diana’s Mom was having major surgery this summer. To encourage her Mom, I thought I’d go visit. I've always admired her funny and caring way. In the back of my mind, I thought maybe one day I would get the opportunity to paint her.
Yes. I see people and think “Wow wouldn’t it be nice to paint that spirit or that personality or that hair.
Anyway, at some point, I do visit again, taking my camera this time. I took pictures on the spot.
These photograph I took told a different story than the one I wanted to paint. The one we eventually used was a photograph from over 10 years ago. It told a different story of a more happier time - before illness. I knew I had to capture that happier time for Diana’s Mom and Dad.
With any client, I try and and stay cognizant of their story. Diana's Mom had always wanted a portrait she said. Now seemed like the perfect time.
When Diana eventually saw the painting --about halfway through, she said, “He is so absolutely perfect. I cried...” I was so elated to hear this because this portrait did not start off "pretty." In fact, this is where it started:
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| Portrait #60 -in progress ©2011 Toni Ruppert 20 x 24″ Oil Painting (on Canvas) |
What should you do next?
Think about someone you care about today. Is there some difficulty or painful situation where a portrait would help? Is there some stressful situation where my art could help?
Feel free to comment or e-mail me at toni [at] toniruppert.com.
9 comments:
I suppose the process of creating art is parallel to life itself: You can't avoid the ugliness; it's an essential part of the journey to beauty.
Thanks for sharing this Toni.
Melanie, Thank YOU for being here with me. You said the "U" word I really wanted to say. Your observation about art and life is absolutely correct.
That is awesome - i just love what you do and enjoy your blog. What an inspiration you are
you're very brave Toni...most artist would never show the beginning stages of a painting...even tho all of ours start out this way! way to go!!
Thank you ARTIBILITY. I'm so glad you are enjoying the posts.
Kathryn - I toyed with sharing or not sharing that image--of the unfinished painting. I'm glad you "got it."
I met you briefly yesterday at the Center when you asked to find someone- she told me about your blog- I love your "After the Storm"- did you do the script- calligraphy? Your blog is so interesting!
Thank you for your comment Marjorie. I LOVE the piece you mentioned. The script/lettering is not my own. I'm looking to do more work like that this winter.
I also LOVED the show at the Center - though I was there briefly. Did you show there as well?
Hi Toni- just wanted to say I was at the Center and you asked me where to find April and Marilyn- it was late and people were already packing up. April says you might take the collage class! See you then!
Thanks Marjorie! I am looking forward to seeing you in a class real soon.
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