Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The house is quiet, except for the hockey game on, and I am feeling accomplished, like I met a challenge.  A friend asked me to paint a special picture for her son for Christmas.  It is a picture of him as a child, with his dad and grandpa on a hunting day.   I don't do portraits, but this lady is a very neat person, and to tell the truth, I wondered to myself if I was up to the challenge.  I told her I would try it, with no commitments.  She didn't have to take it if she didn't like it.  Deal made.

She sent me the photo, that is turning yellow with age, and my daunting task was at hand.  You know that craft show that is this weekend?  And next week is college grad?  Didn't seem to matter!  Had that little creative imp in my head telling me, do it, do it, do it, like a friend at the bar wanting me to chug my beer.  I couldn't wait to get done with the dinner dishes to get to it each night.

So the last few nights I worked on it.  Tonight, as I was struggling with the faces, (because, you know, those will make or break it) that damn imp started with the 'What Ifs'.  What if she doesn't like it?  What if she is like that other lady that wanted you to paint her dog and then told you everything that was wrong with it?  What if she says why did you do that that way?   Seriously.  This lady would throw it away before she would say any of that to me, but that damn imp didn't give a darn.

SO, I messaged her on facebook and asked if she would tell me whether to quit or keep going.  Besides, it saves the face when she sees it in front of me.  Its easier for her to make 'that' face when she first sees it on facebook.  Easier for her.  Easier on me.

Well, she just loved it.  She's talking frames and how she can't wait to give it to him, and its so special.  I went back in my art room and finished the faces just fine.  It's done.  The faces aren't perfect, but pretty close, I think.  It's signed.  It will dry for a few days and will get a clear coat.

I think I can show it here, because I doubt they will see it.   I feel better about it now, and like I said, Challenge Done!