September 21, 2008

"Young Equestrian"

Oil on Canvas  -  20" x 30"

Regular visitors to the studio will recognize this portrait and might have assumed it was from my personal collection.  As well they might.  This portrait and a companion piece of her brother have been my constant companions in the studio for almost two years.  "Two years?" you might ask.  "Why so long?"  It's like this; A patron of mine wanted copies made of two portraits that I had done in the 90's of her children. In fifteen years one's skill level (hopefully) improves.  I am a much better painter now than I was then.  Do I faithfully render the early work in my old hand or bring them up to the present?  It is something I have been grappling with for quite a while.  Since I still had the old reference, I chose to compromise.  They are still very close to the originals but I think they have a certain je ne sais quoi. 

8 comments:

Diane said...

I have seen this one progress... is she and her brother having a farewell party? They have become family members. I think I'll miss them..
joking aside, they are great portraits and their real families will love them.

LCNeill said...

This is wonderful!

Mark Adams said...

Diane, You know I am a perfectionist. Paintings don't leave the studio unless I am happy with them. The portrait muse has been sleeping in the loft. She's awake now.

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, LC!

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful portrait, Mark - you have captured the girl's personality, not just features! So very beautiful! Congratulations.

Mark Adams said...

Thank you, Joanne. I was very happy with this one.

Rhonda Hurwitz said...

beautiful work. actually stunning!

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Rhonda.