Happy Postmodern Mothers Day.
This is a painting I did from a photograph my father took at my second birthday. I presented it to my Mother today at the Glendale Mothers day painting and music thing. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. Sold some paintings, made some new friends/ students and saw some old.
Is the painting sentimental or ironic? You tell me. ;-)
posted by william wray at 7:13 PM
29 Comments:
this is a really cool one!
it's ironically sentimental and sentimentally ironic
It can't possibly be both
B
both is always the right answer ... isn't it?
let's paint saturday! where are you headed? i hit the montage hotel in LAGUNA this weekend and saw a bunch of old painting up close and in person - edgar payne! william wendt - others that just blew me away...
all i meant was to sound like an idiot in that last post - not to actually express meaning - it's a great piece!
M
No can do . I have my class every Saturday.
Hmmm... I'd say it's a sentimental subject matter. Unless that's a plate of green beans next to your cake and your Mom is about to do the old switch-a-roo.
I like it alot. Sentimentality within this kind of alla-prima painting is popular. Probably not a direction you're tending toward, but then again if its done well, it wouldn't be so bad if you did.
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Really nice. This is my favorite of your paintings with figures. The girl on the right is esp. good.
Hey Tony,
She soon switched me for my sisteras the center of attention... Does that count?
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Thanks AW. I like it more for what it shows I may be able to do soon, rather than what I can do now.
You never stop! Love the bright in the kid's face.
What a wonderful gift, William. As is the gift of finding a moment that you could share your father's view. It is another side of an exceptional artist, and I like it.
Very lovely painting, I would say sentimental. But...I keep getting drawn to your sister's face. What IS she thinking? I could just see her reaching over, giving that cake plate a little tip up. Or is she jealous of the attention, or just pensive? Maybe wants you all to hurry up so she can get some cake. Great story telling piece! Lori (Lorijo from WC)
this is a very nice piece...really love the strain on the birthday boys face as he blows the candles!!
Such a great range of work yo have...really inspiring.
Rube-- what else can I do ? I'm commited.
Robin,
It was a bit selfish in a way, I really wanted to paint it rather than go shopping.
Hey Lori,
It's not my sister. She was a family friend who was really sweet to me I'm told, but I don't remember her. Glad you could see so many possibilities in her expression... I think that's what you want in this kind of thing.
Thanks for noticing the little things... I added that bit.
Damn, all I gave my mom was a card.
Hey Erich,
I forgot the card , so you have me beat.
beautiful painting!! Love it!!
Great painting, Bill. Has a classic old world feel to it.
To answer the question you possed:
I do not find it sentimental because I never owned the outfit you are wearing in the picture.
It is ironic because you are the one whom is to get first dibs on the cake, and not your mother. Really, on Mother's day, Mom should get the first crack at the cake...
It is always nice to see a painting of people inter-mingled with the landscapes.
Thanks Alina
Thanks Dan, 15th or 16th century?
thanks Jessie,
You know what Freud said about mom's cake.
It's very fascinating to see a serious painter re-visit his past through the medium of a family photograph. I don't find it sentimental and the irony may be something for you alone.
I too presumed that the little girl at right was your sister. And what DID Freud say about mom's birthday cake?...OK I can guess.
Also,
through European eyes...This is a very American painting.
If there is any irony it’s that I never had a idyllic family life. I won’t cry about it here, but this may as well be posed models. ;-) It is a bit Norman Rockwell I suppose. I have to say I’ve come a long way in the fact I can even paint it.
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