100 PORTRAITS IN 100 DAYS - Jonathan, 19/100, © Carol Nelson Fine Art


Day 19

Today is my birthday, and what better way to spend it than with a paint brush in my hand? This cool looking dude is Jonathan, the son of my friend and fellow artist, Saundra Lane Galloway (http://saundralanegalloway.com). Saundra was over at my house when I was working on this portrait and we had a blast painting together.

There are several things I liked about this photo Saundra gave me. First, it is SO natural - not posed at all. He was cruisin' on his skateboard (he's a pro skateboarder) and listening to his ipod.
He lives in San Diego and you can see a little beach scene reflected in those cool mirror glasses.
I changed the color of the bandanna for a spot of color (you KNOW I like color.)

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BIG, SCARY NEWS: This afternoon I get my new computer. My 5 yr old computer has just about pooped out and the hard drive has less than 10% free space. At the rate I'm posting and saving these big image files, it will be telling me "No mas" pretty soon, I'm thinking.
My new computer will be much faster and with 3 times the storage capacity. What's scary you ask? The operating system of the new one is Windows 7, which I've never used it before, so there will be a learning curve.
Tim Louden, of Business Technologies of Denver, is the computer guru who is setting the whole thing up for me, so I will be free to paint another portrait at least.
I know all you Mac people are disappointed with my choice. There seems to be no group as devoted to their computers (and vocal about it) than the Mac people. Mostly I was concerned that a lot of software programs I have would not load on to a Mac because they were made to be compatible with Windows systems.

21 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

I recognized Saundra's son immediately. He is sure a cutie, isn't he? I love what you've done with his portrait and those sunglasses have become magical under your hands. Gorgeous piece and I really love his hair!

Pattie Wall said...

Wow Carol - again, your interpretation of the reflections in the sunglasses make this one right at the top of my list. It is so cool! Neat that you get to paint with an artist friend and good luck with your new computer.

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!! I had a blast painting with you the other day and looking forward to another fun time with you! I LOVE this painting! Being his mom is just a plus! Can't wait to own it!!

Leslie Hawes said...

Very cool portrait of Jonathan!
And you'll get along with Windows 7

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

Happy Birthday and happy all year round.
Portraits are superb!!!!

Jennifer Godshalk Artist said...

WOW!!! I thought this was a PHOTO!!! Excellent! My favorite so far!!

Michelle said...

The reflection in the sunglasses is fabulous!

Candy Barr said...

Well Happy Birthday~ and what a terrific portrait with landscape reflection of boarder! a Two'fer!

And alas, as a MAC devotee, sorry for your loss and your decision to go windows 7. I hope it works out, but sad to see you switch.Not sure what you were thinking. Must have been a price thing.

Ann Gorbett said...

Happy Birthday, Carol. Your portrait project is so fun and the paintings are incredible. A true likeness in everyone but with an artistic flair. Really great. Once you are done, will you have a show? They would look so amazing all hung up together.

Diana said...

Happy, happy birthday!!! Love the portrait. It totally rocks. The red, a stroke of genius.

Dewberry Fine Art said...

This has a great feeling of energy. Lots going on and so well handled. Very cool!

Dana Cooper said...

Happy birthday Carol!
This might be my favorite portrait so far...it looks like you had a lot of fun with it!

Carol Nelson said...

Thank you all for your lovely comments and birthday wishes. I am overwhelmed at all the birthday greetings on FB.
This portrait, so far, will be hard to beat. It's all about those mirror glasses.

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL! Appears you spent your birthday wonderfully with friends and art! Love the way you painted the shell choker and the glasses.

Edward Burton said...

Happy birthday, Carol! Wonderful portrait - great reflections.

Lokelani Forrest said...

Carol...great rendition of Saundra's son. I love the photo. This would make a wonderful face to practice on.

Lokelani Forrest said...

Carol...HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many, many more.

Anonymous said...

I love this one! I love the colors, the reflections and the natural pose. Happy belated Birthday!

Becky Mairi Farrell said...

I'm in the same position as you, just swapped 5 year old computer for new spangly one with capacity for all my images and digital work, and having to get to grips with windows 7. It's not too bad so far, and I am at least glad to have bypassed vista as I've never heard anyone refer to it without swear word attached! But why does it keep asking stupid questions and where are all those nice drop down menus we had in Windows of old?

Loving your portrait series by the way, and especially the 6x6 format, the square shape seems to work really well with your sense of composition.

Dean Grey said...

Carol!

It's like another world in those reflective sunglasses!

Very cool!

-Dean

Cheryl Anderson said...

Hey, Carol, you rock! You're doing great, and I love getting your emails. I especially like this skateboarder!

Mac people are a determined lot. I love Macs, but for the price you can replace your PC twice and always have the latest technology. It's pure economics, and you don't have to apologize.