Not a resolution; but I've been trying to organise the studio, enough to be able to walk from one side to the other without the use of pickaxe, crampons, or bandages. Whist re-organising some 'stuff', I came across this abandoned half-scratched portrait.
I knew him back in the mid 1980's. He was a scruffy individual; haughty, vain, and self-centred. As I painted him he scowled back at me with a maniacal glare, and I realised instinctively that he was going to be trouble. He insisted on drinking as he 'posed' for me, and changed his position constantly as he sat either fidgeting with his unkempt beard, grunting, or helping himself to glass after glass of my 'better' wine.
I soon realised that I was wasting my time with him, and told him to leave. I don't know why I kept the half-finished job; I should have destroyed it at once. I've now put it on a pile earmarked 'bonfire'. Certain dark memories need to be eradicated for good.
I wonder what became of him.
I like the eyes Cro, and I cring to think you'd burn that.
ReplyDeleteA clever self-portrait Cro! Like all artists, you are, of course, your hardest critic (even more so when you are looking at your own image). Are you displeased with this painting because you failed to capture something? Or because you didn't like what you saw? (You cannot destroy this work. Your grand children will treasure this painting in the future.)
ReplyDeleteOh no, you must keep it :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Cro x
It simply reminds me that I used to have hair; and that it was of a nameable colour.
ReplyDeleteyes....I'd keep it as well. Sometimes, we need something to remind us of The Way We Were.
ReplyDelete"faded pictures (la la), like the corners of our minds (la la).........
But the face shows nothing of the man you describe Cro...it's tender, soft if even a little bit sad.
ReplyDeleteDon't burn it...if you don't want it...mail it to me.
Come on, Cro - you know that's a bloody good picture - even if the sitter was a drunken pain in the arse!
ReplyDeleteScowling or not, he's one handsome-of-a-devil!
ReplyDeleteAt last a sensible comment! T, I love you.
ReplyDeleteWell I guess we all agree this is not for the fire! I have to say the eyes have wonderful depth and it immediately made me think he is so troubled and what is making him so sad? at the same time warmth and gentleness shows through,I really like this Cro.
ReplyDeleteIsn't he lovely? So what if he was a little vain at the sitting and drank too much of your better wine? You must have cared a little for having done such a beautiful job. Glad it hasn't been torched yet.
ReplyDeleteNice portrait,Cro. I knew it was you, the minute I saw it. Bonfire? I hope not!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tess...great self-portrait Cro!
ReplyDeleteToss it on the bonfire...then you just might have a bevy of bloggers on your doorstop with fire extinguishers in hand!
Lady M has now grabbed, and hidden, it. Looks like it's been reprieved!
ReplyDelete