"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Ruby and Another Sale

Ruby / 10 x 8 / oil om linen panel
Children are such a great challenge to paint - one must try and retain their childish proportions and innocence while still attending to the essence of their personalities. Young Ruby has sparkling eyes, a captivating smile and a wild individualism about her. The portrait will be a surprise birthday gift for a very dear friend (Ruby's grandmother) whom I have known since I was 10 years old - a lifetime friend. I hope both she and Ruby like it.

 And more good news from the Roux & Cyr gallery in Maine - another sale. This one of a loose and impressionistic lobster. I loved this one when I sent it off to the gallery and am so happy about the sale. I think it would look great in Maine seaside cottage kitchen!
Double Sojourn / oil on linen / 20 x 16

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16 comments:

  1. JudyJuly 5, 2019 at 7:28 AM

    Ruby is so sparkling! Her grandmother will be delighted with your beautiful painting of her! Congratulations on your sale! Will look great in a kitchen.

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:15 PM

      Thanks, Judy - the painting is en route and I await her response with fingers crossed!

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  2. Carol FlattJuly 5, 2019 at 10:30 AM

    Susan, congratulations on the sale. What a great painting of the lobsters. It's energetic and lively with the colors and background details. Makes me smile. And, so does Ruby! She looks like a joyful, outgoing child...such a big smile and bright eyes. I love the way you include many harmonizing colors in the skin tones. This is the age when teeth are coming and going, and they add so much to their personalities! It will be well-received, I know. Ruby just glows!!

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:17 PM

      Such a nice comment, Carol - and greatly appreciated. I painted her four separate times until I was satisfied. That impish grin, the tilt of her head and her youth all made it a great challenge for me. In addition, I know just how creative and outgoing she is - all things I hoped to convey.

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  3. JaneJuly 6, 2019 at 11:46 AM

    I am confident Ruby's grandmother will love the painting, such a sweet portrait , love the little distance between her teeth and her bright intelligent eyes :-)

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:19 PM

      Thanks so much, Jane. I think I have captured a likeness but that personality is hard to put down in two dimensions!

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  4. hmuxoJuly 6, 2019 at 8:08 PM

    First of all...Congratulations on the sale...SO exciting and yes, it would be perfect in a kitchen.
    The portrait is truly beautiful. Her expression makes me smile because she looks so happy... love it.!

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:19 PM

      Hilda - your words are greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

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  5. Bruce ShermanJuly 7, 2019 at 5:13 AM

    Good morning Susan!... What a beautiful and bright start for my day!There is nothing more beautiful than an innocent child... wearing nature's individual markings... unfettered or "made up".Dancing and engaging eyes... an ear-to-ear smile revealing "tooth n' pegs" that have their own signature sizes and spaces. Everything is real. That's what makes a Smolensky painting... a "real" work of art.

    Seeing beyond the painting process to the place (in your mind) where it was painted for speaks of the great vision that each of your paintings displays.

    Bravo!... and Bravo Susan! Two home runs!

    Keep Painting... and many more sales. Happy Summer!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:20 PM

      What a lovely and thoughtful comment, Bruce - you have made my day!

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  6. martinealisonJuly 9, 2019 at 6:17 AM

    Bonjour chère Susan,

    La saison fait que je ne suis pas toujours sur l'ordinateur... Il fait très chaud en ce moment.

    Je me réjouis déjà pour cette belle vente, toutes mes sincères félicitations.
    Et hummm ! même sans mayonnaise ils semblent excellents ces homards !

    En ce qui concerne ce charmant portrait, il est tout simplement merveilleux !
    Il n'est jamais facile de peindre l'insouciance d'un enfant.
    Lui donner son âme et aussi son physique... On a toujours tendance à les "vieillir" ! Mais toi, tu as réussi ton challenge, elle est toute en fraîcheur et en spontanéité. Elle a un visage qui respire le bonheur, la douceur, et la malice !

    Bravo ma chère Susan !

    Gros gros bisous,

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:23 PM

      Your comment makes me glow, Martine! As this portrait is for a special friend, I painted it with more nervousness than my usual approach. It makes me happy to hear your kind words!

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  7. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comJuly 13, 2019 at 1:31 PM

    I know I would enjoy Ruby because I smiled at her portrait. Love your technique and it fits her personality.

    Congrats of the sale. It is a fun and well done painting.

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    1. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:25 PM

      So many thanks, Julie - my friend (who lives in England) should receive the portrait any day now and I am awaiting her reaction with my breath held knowing how subjective are artistic preferences. So glad Ruby elicited a smile!

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  8. Simonne's fantasiestudioJuly 23, 2019 at 3:37 PM

    Een prachtig portret van een lief meisje Susan, knap geschilderd !!
    groetjes van Simonne

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  9. SusanAugust 1, 2019 at 2:26 PM

    Thank you so much, Simonne!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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