Monday, April 02, 2007

My soul to keep.........

I have been spending a lot of time on just one very special canvas lately. Its my submission for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. This is about a much-loved little baby boy who died suddenly at a very young age. His cremated ashes were turned into a diamond for his family to cherish.

I wanted to recreate a focal point diamond with his face behind some of the facets.
First, I played around with background:




Then block filled in facets of a diamond. I really let loose with colour here. I wanted to get a vibrant feel.



Next was the tricky part. Painting some portaits of the little boy to be pasted onto the diamond. I don't normally paint portraits that often, but I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed painting these. It was one of those (rare) days when everything goes right first time.



And for the past 18 hours I have been painting to get the work finished in time for delivery in London tomorrow.

Here is the result.



I want to thank J.T. for her kindness in sending me photos of her beloved son, and also my other half for endless supplies of cups of tea over the past 24 hours.

Just have to wrap it up now and hope it fits in the overhead shelves on the Oxford Tube otherwise I am going to have to buy it its own seat (its 80 cm square). The RA Summer Exhibition is a bit of a lottery, but I guess you have to be in it to win it so fingers crossed, and good luck to everyone else out there having a go
.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

It’s been well worth all the effort Sue, the picture has come out really well. Good luck at the RA 

Unknown said...

the question mark should have been a smile by the way...

MissT said...

Sue - really looking forward to seeing this IRL. I love the intensity of colour. Good luck on The Tube - just bas those tourists out of the way, you're an ARTIST!

natural attrill said...

What an amazing painting, I read your post and it was sad to hear about the little boy, then i clicked on the image to enlarge your painting, to see it closer and in more detail, it made me cry.
Penny.

SueC said...

Thank you so much. It was a very emotional piece to paint and I am sorry I won't see it again for months (whether or not I get in to the exhibition). I found it a very profound piece to work on and I'm so grateful to his mum for giving permission for me to paint it.

Anonymous said...

I was astounded to see what you have created....I had the privilege of delivering this very special little boy, and since then of becoming a friend of his Mum and family. His spirit shines through your vibrant portrayal of his diamond. I wish you every success with the competition.

SueC said...

Gosh Shirley, I am amazed and very touched to see your comments. Thank you very much indeed. xx

Anonymous said...

We, the family think this painting is absolutely brilliant. You really managed to capture his smile and sunny nature so well. He may have been small, but he certainly made a big impact during his short time with us.

We are honoured to be the inspiration behind the piece and do hope it is exhibited in London as we think you deserve the recognition!