Thursday, October 22, 2009

Malissa

My Malissa. So different from Donovan but similar in important areas.

Here she is sitting waiting for her brother to have his soccer team photo taken. He asked her to be in his "buddy" photo. She plays for a competitive team in another city while Donovan is content to play recreational soccer in ours. So she sits a bright orange blossom in a sea of navy uniforms.

This is her usual expression. Intense, a little suspicious and cautious. Around friends she is the goof-ball and ham but deep inside I know she is always thinking. Donovan and Malissa have a close sibling relationship which I treasure because I didn't have one growing up with my younger brothers. Perhaps it was because of the tumultuous home life we lived. We're a little closer now but I love seeing these two take care of each other when they are not annoying the heck out of one another.

24x24 oil on canvas

23 comments:

Natasha said...

Your description and the painting are beautiful. What a wonderful mother you are!

Art with Liz said...

When something or someone is dear to your heart, it shows in your work. This is wonderful lovely Sheila. Your painting continues to grow and grow. Beautiful.

Munich Newman said...

What a lovely feel your paintings have. Your "about me" is interesting too. What a fantastic thing to do after that career, brilliant.

I clcked your link on Steve's Sketch of the Day. Thought I could pop up on your page for a change too.

Manon said...

Lovely piece Sheila!! I love that you painted your kids!! I did Alex when she was small but haven't attempted her since!!

Krista Hasson said...

Sheila, this is wonderful and it is so nice to hear that they look out for each other.

Charlene Brown said...

Your paintings of Donovan and Malissa are narrative treasures, beautifully done! So often the story told by paintings of kids is "Got hair done, put on best clothes, sat in painful position trying not to look bored." As usual, your stories are infinitely better.

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

I already told you that you are a great mother. No wonder your kids are good friends. Its all comes from you.
She is so cute I want to hug her.
Smile Melissa we are here for you.
Big hug, IB

Dana Cooper said...

I love that you painted both your kids, Sheila! When they grow they will realize how really talented their mother is...if they don't already!

gh said...

Knowing a bit more about Malissa and Donovan makes this even better.
Its nice that they get along well and are there for eachother. I alwasy missed having siblings when I was growing up

Autumn Leaves said...

Love the story about Malissa (she sounds a bit like me!)...Another gorgeous painting and how wonderful to have such beautiful, mommy-made paintings to treasure for always. I can absolutely see the resemblance between the two of them, even though she is a lighter, female version of her brother! Beautifully done!

Nina Jørgensen said...

aww this is so cute! Love the expression, well captured!

Linda O'Neill said...

Hi Sheila, love your use of color in the background. Beautiful work!

suzanneberry said...

Beautiful duo! and the paintings are amazing too. i loved your description of them, it's obvious you are a caring,loving mom. great work. enjoy the weekend.

Tonya Vollertsen said...

Hi Sheila, wow, you've been busy! I love the paintings of your kidnicks. The personalities really show through in your renditions of them as well as the love you feel for them. Treasures for them to appreciate when they are all grown up too! I love looking at your work, it's always fun and cheerful.

Gwen Bell said...

You have such a talent for capturing the feeling of your subject, and I know this one is near and dear to your heart.

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

This is a terrific painting. The composition, the paint handling, the use of color and the expression on the child's face; it all adds up to an excellent piece.

grupo unido de roda fogo said...

Congratulations your American friend Blog this note 10. I will always be visiting your space. A hug from Brazil Manoel Limoeiro.

Dean Grey said...

Sheila!

You captured the personality of your daughter in this painting, based on your description of her.

Very natural looking pose and expression.

I love the intense blues hidden in the shadows!

One slight suggestion. Malissa's body appears to be in the tree's shadow so those body parts should be darker (in shadow) as well.

Easy fix though!

-Dean

Celeste Bergin said...

you captured her serious side. Nicely done!

Linny D. Vine said...

This one is a treasure, Sheila. I hope that Malissa "thinks" that it's great, too!

Jo Castillo said...

These paintings of your children are just wonderful. I have so much to catch up on. You have been really painting a lot. Great work.

Paula Villanova said...

This is a beautiful painting Sheila and one that I'm sure your daughter will treasure for years to come...thanks for visiting my blog...it's great to be back!

Edward Burton said...

Great painting, Sheila! Wonderful composition and really nice handling of the grass.