Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Still Life Interruptus #3, Just A Peek


Just A Peek
#3 in the Still Life Interruptus series
8" x 10" acrylic on masonite

Last week the Daily Paintworks challenge was to paint a gift. So of course, the first thing I thought of was a set up of my son and a big ol' wrapped present he could wreck mischief and mayhem with. This is how it went down, step by step:

1. I went to the store, bought some shiny pink wrapping paper, a ginormous curly-ribbon bow, and a small box of treats for my son's modeling fee. 

2. Came home, wrapped up a box (which happened to be one of his older games that he hasn't played with in a few months, and I wrapped the treats too, because it would just be mean to have him open up a big box of nothing right?) and set the shiny present in the perfect spot of sunshine.

I did all of this without my little model underfoot, thinking he would be more excited and interested if he didn't know what I was doing. . .

3. I bring my son upstairs and show him, very nonchalantly of course, the shiny little present on the floor and stand back, camera at the ready for what I'm sure is going to be the biggest bunch of cuteness I've seen in weeks.

4. He stands there, prods the present a little bit, then walks away and comes to ask me if he can go back downstairs to play with his brothers.

5. My jaw drops. I'm flabbergasted. For real. Wasn't expecting that lack of interest. Hmmm. . .Change of plans.

6. I bring out the much smaller box of wrapped treats I got for him and let him open it. A-ha!! Now he's interested. He heads for the other present and in about fifteen seconds has it completely unwrapped.

Pretty pink paper lies shredded all over the floor.

But somehow the curly-ribboned bow managed to survive.

And there's now a smudge of chocolate on my son's face as he brings me the newly-unwrapped-old game and asks me to play with him. 

So I do, of course. :)

He beats me, 2-1.    

A little later, when I'm holding my boy on my lap, I wonder if John Singer Sargent had this much trouble with his models? I kinda doubt it. But, I bet he didn't have as much fun either. :)

31 comments:

  1. STUNNING crystal!!!! the composition, the colors, the movement, it's simply perfect. the blue in the wrapping cools down the red, yellow and oranges perfectly...this is a masterpiece...going right into my inspiration folder!

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  2. Crysatl, the painting is SO alive, it leaps off the surface!! And your story is hilarious. Children make great subjects, but they ARE unpredictable. Love your post today!!!

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  3. I like all the trouble you went to.....isn't it just what kids are like. Love the painting - perfect.

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  4. Crystal, I think it's perfect!! Look at that light you've captured. it looks like he's unwrapping a golden present. You've have completely captured the excitement and thrill of opening a present. It is just spectacular:)

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  5. Such concentration on his little face. Too cute!

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  6. How awesome is that! Love your stories that go with your art, Crystal.

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  7. haha, I love the story.
    To point 3: I absolutely know this. I am too ready with my camera and waiting for the perfect shot and then ... the kids do want what they want and not how I want to have it!!!

    Your painting is georgeous, you have done a great job. Perfect Crystal.

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  8. I absolutely love your stories! I can just imagine how it went! Love this painting and the innocence in his face. You did it again.!

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  9. You know what they say - never work with children or animals :lol:

    But your painting is so worth ignoring that :) xx

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  10. Loved the story nearly as much as I'm loving the painting.

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  11. Reminds me that I must get more creative. Sounds like you had a blast and what a great painting because of your effort.

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  12. What a stunning piece...love the light you created and what a funny story you told...you had me smiling...thankx!

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  13. Wow! Your use of color stopped my scrolling through reader right in its tracks! Beautiful! Vibrant! Cute story, too.

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  14. Its stories like that make the painting extra special too :)

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  15. Such a beautiful painting and story! What wonderful reminders of your sweet babies childhood.

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  16. Crystal , it just doesn't get any better than this... your story , your painting, your son. BJ

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  17. HI! Im glad you found me! Your blog and artwork are fantastic! Thank you for the comment. Hope to see you again.
    Michele - incurable painter & new friend =)

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  18. So funny! Love the light on his face. Gorgeous colors.

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  19. I just love reading your posts. There is so much fun in it. I just wish I could see your face when your son showed his indifference to the first gift. :)
    And this WIP looks like a masters WIP. Looks like you are mastering this new medium very very quick.

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  20. Thank you for commenting on my work..gave me an opportunity to know a great artist like you. I love your paintings and the stories with it.I especially like the way you use shadows and highlights in all your paintings they are awesome.Great work!!

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  21. I always enjoy your commentary SO much! And I can really relate to it too :0)
    I love this series of paintings - I have always loved all of your paintings and I have not been used to seeing such strength of colour - But WOW it is so effective and adds such drama!! It seems that there is nothing that you can not do :0D

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  22. Beautiful and full of light, Crystal! I love the story also- I have never tried acrylics on masonite, just oils- this looks great!

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  23. Hi Crystal,
    When I paint a baby face like you do I will consider myself an accomplished artist! Even in a small segment of this baby face I can see how fresh and soft his skin is.
    Great painting!
    Thank you very much,
    Irina

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  24. This painting is so amazing! Those little eyes peeking over...so cute!!

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  25. wow..you have outdone yourself, this time!...hard work and patience always pay off, it seems :)

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  26. Second thoughts...can I borrow your son? I have one,too; but he never gives me a chance to click; makes long faces when I say "smile'.etc etc!!!

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  27. This is so wonderful Crystal. Your talent amazes me.

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  28. Crystal, If you could see how excited I am about your acrylic work. Just love this latest painting and the story behind it.

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  29. your thinking behind this painting is something that is essential in the composition. a lovely vibrancy of colour suggestive of your son's energy and youth! i also enjoyed reading your post... beautiful play of words Crystal.

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  30. hello crystal i m glad to follow your blog and more happy to see your little kids as i love all the kids.I am also a mother of a 4 yr old. I loved your watercolours especially the kid series.

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  31. Stunning painting Crystal, you're doing amazing works on acrylic, yet this time the story behind the painting is much better than the art itsself, su cuuuuuuuteeee!!!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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