More Joan

More Joan, 14" x 18", oil on linen

This commissioned portrait, More Joan is painted from an old black and white (sepia tone) photograph from the 1930's/40's. It is a portrait of a beloved mom/mother in law, before she had any mom responsibilities, when she was in the prime of her youth, full of life and promise. The stillness of the pose seems to be hiding a lively spirit, bursting with life and laughter. The Amazing Reese and I enjoyed living with her for a few weeks, as the painting dried. The more we looked at her, the more enigmatic her expression became. 

In the beginning, it was quite difficult to find the right color values. While struggling with it, I asked for a few photos of this lady's grandchildren to compare skin tones and hair and eye color. Those reference photos were an invaluable tool as then I was able to fully visualize what Joan (probably) looked like as a young lady in the flesh. 

It's my understanding that she lived a life of hospitality, welcoming and encouraging everyone around her to live their best lives, continuing to volunteer acts of service well into her advanced years. May we all be so free with our gifts and time. May we all be more like Joan.