Steini Pabbi

Oil on linen, 8 x 8in
I realized this morning that one of my dearest and oldest friends has his birthday to morrow. He had this beautiful little girl only a couple of days ago. His fiancé took their photo (using her smart phone) just minutes after she was born. Its not often you have a baby and a birthday in the same couple of days, so I had to paint this for him. The problem is that it probably wont be completely dry before to morrow. This is my first attempt for a real portrait and I am pleased with it. I have always been a bit afraid of giving it a try, but it was quite an enjoyable process.

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Comment by deb hill on January 20, 2013 at 4:13: very cool!

Comment by Cheryl Lipham on January 18, 2013 at 7:29: Congratulations on your very fine first portrait. It is beautiful! I am sure it will be very meaningful to your friends to have such of a heartwarming gift. Precious! I agree with Stuart...you should do a larger final version for them! You've got it down ...now do it with confidence!

Comment by Jon Main on January 18, 2013 at 6:00: What you said "ts hard sometimes when you think things are going totally wrong to continue painting. But I am finding out more and more that if I trust in what I am doing then in the end it will most likely look like what I was trying to paint" - is very true. It's a lovely image

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on January 18, 2013 at 3:56: One of the advantages to a smart phone photo is that it usually produces a lower quality image than many dedicated digital cameras; this assists the artist in the design of the image without a lot of fussy details. This painting is essentially monochromatic and its strength is in its value structure. I am attaching two images for you that show your painting in Black and White and the Notan of it. Look at the strong Notan with interesting abstract shapes and the very nice Black and White image. The basic value structure of this painting is what makes it so strong. Good work and good eye for a stunning image. You may want to try a larger version of this at some point. Stu

Comment by Þorgrímur Andri Einarsson on January 18, 2013 at 3:36: Thanks all for your comments. This thing took me about 5 hours to paint in one session with a few brakes. Its hard sometimes when you think things are going totally wrong to continue painting. But I am finding out more and more that if I trust in what I am doing then in the end it will most likely look like what I was trying to paint. It does not however mean that the painting will be good. But at least it will look like something :)

Comment by Stuart J. Gourlay on January 18, 2013 at 3:13: Pretty impressive for a first portrait. I am sure your friend will be overwhelmed with this, even if it is not completely dry. Stu

Comment by Pauline Le Merle on January 18, 2013 at 3:08: Wow! this is awesome, what a treasure for them to keep. Well done what a talent you have :-))))

Comment by Linda L. Kano on January 17, 2013 at 16:23: It's obvious that you were inspired. Great job...you should feel proud! Your friend will value this painting forever!