5.5.08

You're So Vain...

So my mom took this painting class. If I modeled for a class, the teacher (Paul Davis) was willing to do a portrait as a demonstration and give it to my mother at a good price. So I did.

It was a fun and exhausting experience (6 hours, people.)


I'm not trying to be narcissistic here, I just thought it was an interesting experience. During the first 3 hour block, it was the class who worked on portraits in the style of (A_______??? I'll find out).

I thought it was interesting to see some of the perspectives and interpretations of what each painter saw. Here are a couple photos of the students' paintings;


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This one I like a lot... even though it's not finished. I think it's a flattering version. And she made my expression a little more appealing then it actually was (if any of you have seen what Sam calls my "T.V. face" {when I'm zoned out watching the tube}- then you'll know what I'm talking about).


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This next one I like because it looks like something you'd see flipping through an art book. Something old. Like Monet or Renoir, but not...I wish I knew art/artists, because then I could say of which artist this reminds me;

P.S. I really did hold quite still the whole time. You see me laughing in the picture, because I was done posing and very happy about it!





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I wanted to post my mother's painting (which is really, really cool). The photo taken of her painting also includes the real me, and the real me looks ridiculous in the photo, so I'm not posting it. Plus you can't see it very well. I will post my mother's when she's done with it. Or as soon as I can take another picture of it.
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This final portrait is the one the teacher (Paul Davis) did.
It took a few hours. Luckily he didn't need me to freeze my expression the whole time. I could smile and laugh. I like it, though it doesn't look exactly like me, I think it does capture an expression of mine.

It makes me look young. Instead of haggard, worn-to-the-bone pioneerish...like this one, which consequently, happens to look most like me:

*** No offense about the pioneer thing. There's nothing wrong with looking like a hard-working pioneer. It's in my blood. But it's misleading. Heaven knows I should do more to act the part :)

11 comments:

JS said...

Wow 6 hours hu, my goodness. Amazing paintings though.

Meesh said...

That was so cool. What in interesting experience. I would love to see what I look like through other people's eyes. Your mom is really good. Will she give you the pic? I want to see it at the next book club. Very cool!

alison said...

thanks for posting these...really neat to see. I love your perspective on each painting. can't wait to see your mom's.

Britters and Parx said...

Wow, these paintings are amazing!!!!!!!

Deb said...

That is cool! 6 hours is a LONG time, but seems like a really interesting experience. I can't wait to see your Mom's. Interesting that the person that knows you the best can do the painting that looks most like you....
Thanks for sharing.

Marci + Dan said...

Gorgeous! What an incredible experience. I once sat for a portrait...2 sessions. It's exhausting! But how lucky to get so many views of you!

cristie said...

wonderful perspectives of a gorgeous girl!

jerry said...

does the teacher do portraits of umpires?

Melissa: said...

Of course Jer! But it'll cost you a pretty penny. :)

Phillip and Mary said...

Those are awesome Melissa! You are such a stunning person! Be sure you post mom's. Love you!

Ann said...

I was going to totally say you looked like a pioneer in that one picture, and then you said it for me. Ha! Very nice portraits. You are so portrait-genic.