Saturday, April 5, 2008

Birthday Boy

It's our baby boy's birthday today - a startling seventeen years old. This is a portrait I painted of him about two years ago, and though it is like him, looked too old at the time. I think it about fits now, though there are subtle differences - and his hair is a lot longer! He wants me to paint a huge portrait in an Old Masters style, of him in a velvet jacket with a pipe and a goblet of whisky! Now should I invest hours and weeks and canvas and paint on such a whim? Would it be something that'd amuse him for another 2 or 3 years, then join the detritus in the back of his cupboard? Will he treasure it always and be a reminder of how much his mother loved him? It was so much simpler when he just wanted a birthday cake that looked like a snail...
(Oil on canvas 60 x 45 cm)

4 comments:

Gillian said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISTAIR!! You now complete your 17th year and begin your EIGHTEENTH! Hope you are having a great day - well into the afternoon for you now - and I've just got up, Stef still asleep - and RWH swimming laps at the pool... Yawn!
Lots of love from us all. XXXOOO
(I think the master oil with goblet and velvet jacket is an excellent idea...)

Vivienne said...

A Very Happy Birthday Alistair from Philip and me on a sunny but chilly weekend in England.
You look like a classical David in that wonderful portrait, so I think the master portrait should definitely include a sling and a pebble.How wonderful to be 17! Enjoy the year and pave the way for great times ahead.XXXX ancient aunt.

Cathy Gatland said...

Thank you, dear Aunts, on behalf of Ali G...wish you could come round for tea and cake!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful portrait.... does resemble David and I like the idea of a classical pose. Happy Birthday to your son...