Just finished this commissioned portrait. Lenore is giving it to Henry for their wedding anniversary. They've been married for fifteen years.
This day and age staying together for that long is indeed rare and very special. I always listen to music while I work.. and OK I admit it.. I sing too. So this time I decided to try a little experiment.
While working on this portrait I created a playlist of love songs, songs of staying together forever, just in case I threw in songs of reconciliation, forgiveness, and remember that song "Reunited"? I listed to "Stand By You" by Bonnie Rait.. and since Lenore is from Cuba I had Gloria Estefan's "Here We Are" going at times.
Lenore said she wanted to hang this portrait in their bedroom. I thought perhaps that some of these songs I'd listened to might reflect somehow in my work.. and perhaps they might look at it and wonder why they feel so much love for each other when they do. Couldn't hurt could it?
Well an amazing and unexpected thing happened. Now, whenever I look at this portrait I hear love songs, and I get feelings of love, marriage and reconcilliatin... :P I have no idea if they feel anything.
But they have all of my warmest wishes for the future.. and I do have some good feelings in knowing that I did what I could to support the longevity of their union.
Happy Anniversary Lenore and Henry!
15 1/2 x 11 1/2 on Smooth Bristol Board. Mechanical Graphite pencils, 2H,HB,2B, & 4B.
27 Comments
Carliss Mora 04 Nov 2006
All of your ideas are great, Laura! I do much the same with my artwork as far as the music, singing, and all. It is plain to see that like me, emotion is deeply involved in your fabulous pieces!!Kalb Severin 25 Sep 2006
hey laura you horse freak, youve actually drawn people here. like your style.Lynnette Zulli 27 Jun 2006
Excellent Laura ....music fitting your subject truly does enhance the outcome ....I'm sure by now they've told you what a wonderfully moving feeling of love.... peace....and security they feel when they ...or anyone sets their eyes on this wonderful work!!!!! Again Excellent Tones ...Shading ....Touchably Lifelike !!!! Keep setting the Atmosphere.. it is indeed important!!Peter Skov 18 Jun 2006
Yes, very well done and I love your story behind the work. This is probably something you shouldn't tell Henry but you did a fantastic job at rendering his nostrils. They are extremely life-like.v blair 21 May 2006
This is a beautiful portrait Laura.Steve Keith 03 Jan 2006
great pencil work lauraCristina Marsi 01 Nov 2005
Beautiful! I'm sure they feel all the love you put in this portrait :)Kathi Perry 30 Oct 2005
Great portrait Laura, Henry will love it.Valerie Davis 26 Oct 2005
great peice portraits are my most favorite subject matter you have inspired me to to put some more of my work on line thanks ps i have 22 years of marriage hard work but worth itAnonymous Guest 26 Oct 2005
Very nicely doneWilliam Boyer 23 Oct 2005
They should be happy with this one.Geoffre Pulinger 23 Oct 2005
Laura your pencil drawings are absolutely beautiful! What type of paper do you use? What pencils do you use?Charlotte Ottilo 23 Oct 2005
What a lovely presentation Laura.. I imagine she is very very pleased...Very nice!stephanie atlee 23 Oct 2005
very beautiful work on this...a lovely couple.Diana Hume 22 Oct 2005
I think what you listen to makes a huge difference in what you are drawing. The pencil strokes for one thing. This is a beautiful portrait. They will cherish it always, I'm sure!Loredana 22 Oct 2005
Beautiful Laura wonderful portrait :)jennifer blenkinsopp 22 Oct 2005
EXCELLENT WORK.Elizabeth Stringer 22 Oct 2005
a wonderful portrait. I am sure that thaey are both delighted with itMarilyn Servais 22 Oct 2005
very nice portrait Laura ! i am not surprised that you hear those love songs you listened to while drawing , they should have helped you to draw a couple instead of a man and woman apartRoger Anderson 22 Oct 2005
beautiful work Laura....very well done.Andree Lerat 22 Oct 2005
Very nice pencil work. A wonderful anniversary gift. :) Thanks for the comment in my portfolio.thea walstra 22 Oct 2005
Awesome work!!!tim linville 22 Oct 2005
Excellent portrait work!Good to see you getting paid for it:)Analua 22 Oct 2005
Marvelous details and expressions in this work Laura!!!!Emily Reed 22 Oct 2005
A lovely portrait.sher richardson 22 Oct 2005
lovely comissionwork laura! skintones and details wonderfully accomplished.... : )Jean M. Laffitau 22 Oct 2005
Beautiful pencil work!