Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Surrender

Oliver on the Floor, oil on canvas, 20 x 42 inches, 1992-3
Surrender is the theme this week at Illustration Friday! Battling to meet several important deadlines and to endure a bunch of winter storms I had surrendered the idea of participating. But this morning, imminent deadlines met, storms having done their worst, I took a deep breath and decided I wanted to play after all. Better late than never!

The model for this painting was a young man I was friendly with at art school. He was immensely talented, but unfocused. I knew he needed money and so I was happy to pay him to pose now and then. He had long thick blonde hair and a Jesus beard, till one day he showed up completely shaven! We were in the middle of a painting too. Resigned, I put that one away and started this one, which seemed to better suit both our moods. Unfortunately, the shaving seemed to be indicative of some "casting off" process, and after only a couple of sessions he disappeared. Later I heard he'd headed to California.

The painting never got finished, but there is something about it I like, despite its rough, unfinished, state.



8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wowwww! Que sofrimento! Muito bom!

Vicki Smith said...

It's a lovely painting. Glad you met your deadlines!

timafli said...

Nice painting and with unfinished mood, like the gesture of the figure. Very cool.

linda said...

Thanks for visiting my blog Nancy! Your post for surrender is definitely striking...wow, what a painting. I also like the idea of just doing what feels right. I guess we always have deadlines and things to do...ahh life!

Tala said...

than you for your comment! and to me, the painting doesn't need anything! great work!

MrBibleHead said...

You made the right choise Nancy. Thanks for surrendering... we get the spoils ;o)

Amalou said...

Nicely done. I think it is finished, the style fits the mood perfectly.

Alice Andreini said...

That is a great painting and a great pose. It looks finished to me.

The IF deadlines are tough. I never feel like I am finished.