Many years ago a portrait changed my thinking about art. It was of a woman and looked to have been done in the late 20s, early 30s. An intelligence radiated from the painting. I wanted to know the woman in this painting, not for her beauty but because there was a dignity and intellect about her coming from that painting. I was sure I could learn things from her. What? I do not know. I was so taken by the portrait I didn't check out who created this work of art, I was just lost with who she was.
Paintings up till then were simply pretty, beautiful works of art. If I could paint a pretty picture of a pretty girl I was happy. That portrait made me rethink what art is, and what I wanted from it. My working with models changed too and I also began to think about what others were seeking from their own art.
Respect and dignity are two ideas that are present during every session when working with a model. Models are giving of themselves to the works of art they are involved with. Some artists feel they are the soul creators of a work of art, but for me the model contributes a great deal beyond their physical presence. I can sense their respect for what we are doing. That respect enhances the work and I need to feel that respect flowing both ways. Presenting them in a dignified way is important to them and to me. I carry these ideas into all my work. Like making a still-life mine by adding personal items or setting up potted plants in my window, something I grew up with at home. The buyer also becomes important, my respect for my client comes through via the quality of my materials and my work itself. Doing a piece they can be proud of is very important to me. Originality and the unusual come into play here. I want and need to give my clients original works of quality.
