Sunday, November 1, 2009

Malissa again

The only thing you may recognize is that determined look again. This is based on an old photo that I don't recall who I got it from as an emailed jpg. I was afraid I'd lose this image of a 6 or 7 year old Malissa warming up behind stage before the yearly performance with her old group Motuaina here in Bay Area, so I decided to paint it.

I loved being a part of the group for the 5 years we were there. Now she has decided she would rather concentrate on competitive soccer. I miss the family atmosphere, the dance, the culture and the costumes. It was great while it lasted.







9x12 oil on board

24 comments:

-Don said...

This is one of my favorites from you, so far. I love the composition - the angles of the body, especially the hips and shoulders, and her eyes looking back across the canvas.

Great use of the triad primary color scheme. And those dark blues under the yellow in her shirt really make me smile.

Great job. -Don

Autumn Leaves said...

Beautiful, Sheila! Her hair looks darker here than in her soccer painting. Amazing the changes that time brings to our children (no comment on what it does to us moms), isn't it? I really love the intensity in Malissa's face. She is a determined girl, for sure. I suspect she will always find success!

Manon said...

Great painting of Malissa! Love the colors and her expression!

Krista Hasson said...

Sheila, this is beautiful, it always amazes me when an artists captures people and their different emotions and gestures, you have captured her determination, great painting! Some day I will get brave and try people :)

Dean H. said...

Wonderful, Sheila! You sure caught that determined look. I esp. like the blue shadow lines on the yellow top!

Christine's Arts said...

What fun. You captured some attitude in this one and the last one of her. I've been looking through your site and love the work you have been doing.

suzanneberry said...

A beautiful painting and a lovely story! thank you so much for your kind comments. hugs. suz

Natasha said...

This evoked such a strong feeling for me. Not just because it's a beautiful, but because it brought back so many memories. I remember Malissa in that costume at her first Ho'ike, you really captured her emotion and that moment in time.

The Bull said...

Your work just keeps getting better and better. Really great job! You are finding a greater range of expression in your work!

Edward Burton said...

Beautiful painting, Sheila, and nice memories.

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

Very nice portrait. Brightly painted with a great looking costume. I remember dance lessons for my kids and the recitals. Fond memories of those days.

gh said...

I agree with Don its a wonderful composition. Once again you have captured a charming and yet thoughtful character in your subject. You have that :)

Catherine Jeffrey said...

As you said in a previous post...intense, suspicious and cautious. This attitude certainly comes though in this painting. Such a wonderful keepsake. I wonder if your previous career allows you to bring the essence of the person or animal to the canvas? You have inspired me to try a couple pictures of my kids.

Beverly Ash Gilbert said...

I love your story! Forensics to art - what a lovely circle. And your paintings are fantastic!

Celeste Bergin said...

I can see why you were captivated with those days...it had to be a visual treat! You did it justice.

Elizabeth Chapman said...

Sheila,
I LOVE the feeling of movement portrayed in this painting and the bold color. Very expressionistic! The colors actually reminded me of my hispanic childhood.

r garriott said...

Marvelous, Sheila!

Lokelani Forrest said...

Sheila...wonderful work. I've seen little girls like her before, so focused on "getting it right." You've portrayed all the little girls awaiting their time onstage beautifully here. I love her "attitude." Brings back so many wonderful memories. Wonderfully rendered.

Dana Cooper said...

This is darling Sheila, and the lively colors express a lively spirit, well done!

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

I can understand why you keep painting her.
She is soooooo cute.Same Malissa just younger.
Big hug to her and her Momma.

Mary said...

Sheila, I am delighted to discover and browse your fascinating blog (via your comment on Manon's). Your ability to capture the character and personality of your subjects is impressive. And you have had such an interesting life journey.

Linny D. Vine said...

I get a wonderful, colorful gypsy girl feel!

Unknown said...

This is just great, Sheila!

Dean Grey said...

This turned out really nice, Sheila.

Malissa's dress is quite detailed and colorful!

Great job with that!

-Dean