Sunday, December 18, 2011

A VERY SPECIAL COMMISSION





































Deirdre Working 2  18x24" oil on canvas
Private Collection


This portrait, a favorite painting of mine to date, has happily provided me with another opportunity to feel rather pleased with myself! Sorry mom.

However, I also must give props to Mike Rynearson for one of the most incredible reference photos I've ever had the pleasure of working from. Drop by Mike and Deirdre's site and enjoy some of the most beautiful and moving photographs from around the world that I've ever seen.

The subject of the portrait is photographer Deirdre Hamill, daughter of famed author, newspaper editor and columnist, Pete Hamill, who, as history has it, was also a painter in the early days of his most illustrious career.  A few years back, on a long car trip to a wedding, I read Pete's memoir "A Drinking Life" to Tim while he manned the wheel. The book was an honest and unflinching look at his life to that point, and we both enjoyed it immensely.  

This second portrait I did of Deirdre was chosen as a Christmas gift to her father which he received last week. You can imagine how I felt waiting for his reaction. Would he be pleased? Would he "see" his offspring in my brushwork? Tense. I was tense!

However an email from Mr. Hamill himself soon put my fears to rest, big time!  I will treasure his words for the rest of my days!

And he was kind enough to allow me to use his FaceBook post about the painting for shameless self promotion, which incidentally, I am not above doing!




















This commission will remain in my memory for some time to come! Thank you Mike, Deirdre and Pete!


22 comments:

  1. Suzanne, this painting is stunning and it is awesome to receive such praises from the recipient!!!!! I hope it brings you much attention and admiration! You are in a class all of your own:)

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  2. it is a beautiful painting Suz and it is always a delight when you get such a response from the buyer:) it's a gift....

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  3. Wow. Suzanne! This is so exciting. I am extremely happy for you. I can't imagine a gift a father would love more. Now even more people will learn about your awesomeness through his Facebook page!

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  4. Wha-hoo Suzanne, this is so awesome! I'm thrilled for you and for the recipient who is obviously delighted too. Congrats!

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  5. This is one of the most awsome of your paintings! It just out of this world!
    My moms were just looking at it again last week - when we all sit to see what paintings of yours are our favorites or ones we missed.
    love
    tweedles

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  6. Congratulations Suzanne, how wonderful! My former husband was a copy boy at the Daily News when her father was working there, and he was a big fan of Pete Hamill's work at that time. There is much talent in the Hamill family, but also in yours my dear!

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  7. You rock, Suz, and I'm happy to say I knew it quite awhile ago! So glad Mr. Hamill loved his painting. That Deidre is a stunner!

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  8. I also love this portrait. I have tried to pick a favorite painting of your before, but I can never pick just one! They are always remarkable! I am not at all surprised he loves it - I mean, what a wonderful gift to receive! :0)

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  9. Oh it doesn't get much better than this! Congrats Suzanne and have a wonderful holiday!

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  10. This painting is spectacular. No doubt he loves this portrait of his daughter hard at work. The colors and the lighting are terrific. congratulations!

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  11. Wow, wow, wOw! I am smiling OUT LOUD here for you, Suz and feeling your joy, satisfaction and pride! Ya-HOOO!!!

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  12. Super painting! Congratulations on hitting the ball out of the park on this one. I look forward to seeing all your posted paintings, and think you are extremely talented.

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  13. How wonderful! Congratulations, what a great note from Hamil. Its so good to be appreciated and your work is undeniably good.

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  14. Another stunner! Great portrait. And feedback worth framing.

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  15. It IS something to be proud of!

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  16. I LOVE this painting Suzanne!! And you deserve every single honor that comes your way, you are just fantastic. :))

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  17. A stunning portrait, and wonderful accolade. Congratulations. ;-)

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  18. I can see you rounding third on your way home with this one Suzanne. I love this painting now, and when I first saw it. Nothing like the roar of the crowd when you belt one out of the park.

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  19. CONGRATULATIONS, Suzanne!!! Very exciting! This was one of my favorites of your paintings...so, I'm not at all surprised that he loves it!!! Beautiful piece.

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  20. Way to go Suz! Beautiful! I recall this one done with a little different format awhile back, right? Love the close-up - the expression is so 'photographer in the moment'! Happy Holidays!

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  21. This portrait, a favorite painting of mine to date, has happily provided me with another opportunity to feel rather pleased with myself! Sorry mom.
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