“In a sense, as we are creative beings, our lives become our work of art.” Julia Cameron
This show was inspired by the desire to paint the portrait; not only to achieve a reasonable likeness but to capture the spirit of a person. The sixty women selected have all been guests at my home at one time or another. They are amazing women and deserve to be honoured. The number sixty was chosen to celebrate my sixth decade.
Each woman agreed to pose for three photos. I then used an iPad photo in grey scale or colour as my reference. The portrait was usually sketched out in alizarin crimson on an burnt sienna or grey primed wood panel of 11x14”. When I felt I had a likeness, I would continue to find expression in colour. These portraits are my interpretation of the women, not a photo likeness.
Although it would have been extremely enjoyable to reveal these portraits in a gallery with all the participants, I have been challenged to find new ways to channel my creativity. However to have sixty portraits side by side in a virtual reality is not far from how I pictured the final look of the show.
My thanks to all the participants who trusted me with their image, to Elaine Schuller who volunteered first and to Johanna Ysselstein Qadri who was my technical support. Your encouragement over the years helped me finish my task.
You are invited to view the sixty portraits at the Art Shack and at my home, White Gables, 18 Broadway Rd., Hope River, PEI