Sunday, May 3, 2009

Nelleka

It's incredible to think that it's May already. It seems that it was only a few short weeks ago that it was the beginning of the year! It's been said that time moves faster the older you get - I guess I know where I stand now.

It also seems just a few days ago that I last posted on my blog, but it was actually a week and half. The time that I have seems to be taken up with all sorts of 'other' things, like going to cricket to watch the Indian Premier League.

May also heralds the advent of winter and the days this week have been decidedly chillier. Today, however, was the exception - beautiful and sunny and absolutely perfect for gardening.

But I did manage to finish another painting from the 'Forgotton Portraits of a People' article that appeared in the Sunday Argus last year. It was also taken in 1864. The first one I did was of Mickie, the rather sad Khoikhoi from Harrismith in the Orange Free State.

This one is of a 'transport rider' called Nelleka who came from an area in the Eastern Cape formerly known as British Kaffraria. It doesn't say what nationality he is, but it is likely that coming from that area, he would be of Xhosa descent. Like Mickie, what struck me was the sadness in his eyes but I also think he had an extremely beautiful face.





24 comments:

Charlene Brown said...

It's good to see you back, Liz -- and even better to see what you've been working on. Nelleka is very moving, and beautifully done.

Unknown said...

Hey Liz.... this is awesome. Nelleka may look sad to you but I see a proud and determined man despite all the sadness and hardships he must bear from day to day. Wonderful homage to these people. Excellent painting to be able to evoke this kind of emotion.

Dean H. said...

Very well done, Liz! I see a lot of strength and determination in this face.
We're just starting to warm up over here. Good bye, long johns, see ya next year. Lol.

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Charlene, thank you so much for that.


I'm always amazed when you find time to visit Sheila, and absolutely love it when you do. Thank you for your interpretation and kind words. Yes, in retrospect, he was probably an incredibly proud individual. A beautiful face to paint. LOL


Hiya Dean (as you can see I'm learning American!). Thanks for the visit and the great comment. Now I have to go and find my longjohns!

simoart said...

Hi Liz
This is a nice painting. I can see his sadness but also he has a beautiful face. Love your work.

Anonymous said...

You definitely captured the sadness in the eyes - you can see the years of struggling. The face also has much character. I wish I could paint people. Really nice.
Jean

Susan Martin Spar said...

You definitely captured the sadness in his face, Liz. It's what you capitalized on and brought to life.

Fábio Cembranelli said...

Hi Liz, what a meaningful and strong portrait, excellent!

Anonymous said...

This portrait is very forceful and speaks. It has great character.

Ajay Patil said...

Amazing portrait,brings out character of the person

FitFoodieMegha said...

Hey Liz, You did a fantastic job! :) Nelleka is looking real and his expression are awesome. Superb!

Ramesh Jhawar said...

Beautiful portrait,Liz!The expression and his character very well exposed!

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Liz, I love this portrait! I can see the strength and determination...masterfully done!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you for your very kind words Arthur. Most appreciated.


Hi Jean, thank you and I wish I could paint landscapes like you!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Susan and I really appreciate your words.


Wow, coming from you Fabio, that really is a great compliment. Thank you so much.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Carolann, I really enjoyed painting him because of that strength in his face.


Hi Ajay - thank you for that! Wish I could work water the same way.

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Megha you are so fantastic visiting whilst on holiday - I so appreciate it.


Thank you Ramesh, I really appreciate your kindness.


Hi Saundra, thank you so much for your wonderful comment.

Cathy Gatland said...

What a handsome, strong face - you've captured so much expression in his eyes, Liz - really beautiful. (I too am aghast at how fast the year is flying past!)

Jeannette StG said...

Beautiful, how you captured this man's features. I also love your color choices:)

Marian Fortunati said...

Nicely done, Liz! I love how you've selected these faces to capture and memorialize.
I have a friend who painted portraits of the missing children on the backs of milk cartons and the fliers that the Missing Children organization sends around. It was a fabulous way to hone his skills, and he used them as a whole show many times and then the missing children organization sent him and the paintings all around the country to highlight the concern about these children. It was a joy when a child was found and he would give the painting to the family. His name is John Paul Thornton.
Anyway, Liz... maybe you'll have a one woman show one of these days with these portraits!!

Carol said...

Congratulations Liz - a very magnificent portrait!

L.Holm said...

very powerful portrait, Liz. The set of the jaw and the eyes speak volumes. beautifully done.

Art with Liz said...

Hi there Cathy, thanks for the visit and for the kind words.


Hello Jeannette, thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your wonderful comment. I had a look at your web site and it is a Wow. I'm honoured to have you visit me.

Art with Liz said...

Wow Marian, that is an amazing story - and well done on John Paul for giving the paintings to the parents when the child is found! I think that's wonderful. As for the one woman show!!! I can't see that happening for quite a while yet. But I love your enthusiasm. Thank you!


Thank you Carol - they were great to paint so I thank you for that.


Liz, your visit and comment are so greatly appreciated. Thank you.