In Mother’s Arms

Back in 1975, Larisa was a baby, and Ron took this photo of me holding her on the porch at our house on Indiana Avenue in Atlanta.  Today I decided to paint that photo. Here is the original photo:



Below is the painting after getting the main values blocked in.  In this painting, I used only two colors:  burnt umber and titanium white. I set up 6 different values of burnt umber and white on my palette.  I wanted the painting to have a sepia look since it's a 43-year old photo.

This is how I left the painting for tonight.  There are still more tweaks to be done - mostly on Larisa's face and head.  I'm going to take it to art class on Friday to see what suggestions Rachael can give me. 

I really love it - mostly because I remember that photo being taken, and because I love that sweet baby so much - even though she's a mother now of her own two children.  I will definitely be working on a poem to go with this painting.

(Later) I've been working on the poem and have tentatively finished one.  I'm considering going in another direction with the poem - making it more personal to Larisa and me.  However, here's what I have for now:

 In Mother’s Arms

In Mother’s arms - Held close, held dear

In Mother’s arms - There is no fear. 

In Mother’s eyes - Beauty profound

In Mother’s eyes - Grace unbound

In Mother’s heart – love beating strong

In Mother’s heart - where you belong

~Mary Carol Shaw Johnston~