Sunday, January 9, 2011

David

This is our friend, David.

I've known him and his partner, Gail, for some time now and see them annually on Christmas Day.  Now Christmas lunch is a festive meal and with good food, red wine and hot summer weather, lots of photos are taken of all the happenings.

I was snapping away and got this rather great pic of David listening to someone, and with his kind permission I decided to paint it and put it up on exhibition at the end of this month.

It was fantastic to paint.  I hope I caught is intelligence, gentleness and generosity of spirit.


And now my prized piece.  I posted that sketch of Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar a couple of posts ago.  For my non-cricketing-country readers, Sachin is known as the 'Little Master', round the world.  He is a phenomenal sportsman having started his international cricketing career at the age of 15, getting his first Test 100 against England at age 16. 

India are in South Africa at the moment, having just completed the third and final test in my home town.  And I was lucky enough to get this great man to autograph my humble sketch.  And it is a real autograph, not a hurried scribble in passing!


 I'm sure it's going to be worth millions!!

29 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! Congratulations on both masterpieces Liz! One that is a tribute to a good friend and the other to his talent on the field. How wonderful to have him validate your work with a carefully executed signature.

Shelley Smart said...

What a beautiful portrait! TWO beautiful portraits!!

On David's, I particularly like how you painted his hair! On both his head and face!

And a great signature!

Diana Marshall said...

Great portraits, love the David portrait, beautifully painted.

Anthony Duce said...

The painting and the drawing are great. Looks like you have been having fun.

Prabal said...

You are soooooooooooooo lucky.. Actually I am jumping in my seat right now.. You actually met Sachin Tendulkar and got an autograph and that too on the sketch.. What can be better on this earth...
In India the security arranements are so tight that it is really difficult to get anywhere near the players. So getting an autograph here is almost impossible.
I am not going to say anything about David's portrait. It is great but this autographed sketch is a prize..

By the way I watched the match and yes it was fun. Van Wyk almost did it and Ntini was fun as always.

Autumn Leaves said...

You've certainly captured all those characteristics in your portrait of your friend, Liz. It is truly well done and makes me want to sit down and hear this man's stories. The autographed piece is gorgeous too. Almost as though you've caught him in action and unawares. And to have it autographed? Perfection!

Art with Liz said...

Hi there Sheila and thank you my friend! Sachin is an icon in the cricketing world!


Thanks so much Shelley. His mass of hair was a bit of a challenge at first, but then I got into it. I loved painting this one.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you so much Diana!


I enjoyed them both Tony, so yes, I am having fun! Thank you.

Art with Liz said...

Ah Prabal I knew of all the people you would appreciate the sketch! I'm a member of the cricket club and as a result sit right next to the area where they walk up and down to the field. Sometimes some of the players come and sit in the area with us - it's great! Next time, come on tour and I'll take you to the clubhouse! Makhaya Ntini is great, but his time is over. Too many runs scored off him. Great fun game though!

Art with Liz said...

Dear Sherry, you are incredible. David is a journalist and has a regular column in our major daily paper, The Argus. He has also written quite a few books. So sitting and talking to him is such a pleasure.

AK said...

I 100% agree with Prabal. I am also an Indian who has never got any where near Sachin. Lucky you. And yes the expression on David's face is everything you have described. Beautifully captured.

Dean H. said...

Your painting of Gail accomplished it's mission...definitely looks like someone I'd love to meet.

Congrats on getting the autograph on the fine portrait! It could very possibly grow in $$$value!

Dean H. said...

Ooops...meant to say your painting of David.

Arti said...

What a spirited man, David looks to be..i can sense his gentleness and the humble roar of his laughter.. Great work, Liz.:-)
And what can I say about the second painting-
Its PRICELESS!!
Many Thanks for dropping by, I enjoyed my visit thoroughly:-)
Have a colourful day.

Prabal said...

Oh Liz,
How come I never saw you then on TV?? probably because I was not expecting you to be there. But next 5 matches I am going to look for you on TV. :)

Unknown said...

Wonderful portrait Liz, youve captured a friendly character for sure.

hmuxo said...

Wow! These are two beautiful paintings Liz. Great expression on his face! Perfectly done!!

Crystal said...

I really love your portrait work. Your friend david's portrait is so expressive and yes, I believe you have captured his intelligence. I have no idea what kind of sport cricket is, but having the portrait signed by this athlete puts the value on this sketch much higher for you especially!
~Crystal

Unknown said...

Great portrait, I bet David is pleased with it.

Ramesh Jhawar said...

Wow Liz...You have a prized possession now! Wonder how was his reaction when he saw his sketch :)
And David's portrait is just wonderful! His expression says it all :)

Cathy Gatland said...

How fantastic, Liz, to get Sachin's signature on your drawing - truly a treasure! The portrait of David (I've been trying to guess his surname) is just outstanding - you caught all those qualities you listed and more, a really beautiful painting. I will also be looking out for you on TV now I know where you sit!

Art with Liz said...

Hi AK - I knew I would make the whole of India jealous! I enjoyed painting David.


Thank you so much Dean! And the sketch may be worth millions, but it's mine! Not for sale!

Art with Liz said...

Hello Arti and thank you so much! David is a really nice person so I'm glad you saw that in the painting! Isn't Sachin great!


Hey hey Prabal, I only go to the matches at Newlands! And I avoid any cameras! Wasn't the game last night amazing? India showed why they're number 1 in the world.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you so much Sam - I really appreciate that.


Hi Hilda and thank you!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Crystal! And cricket is just the best game ever! But very difficult to understand if you haven't been brought up with it - a bit like American Football! Can't understand a thing! And believe me, Sachin's sketch is not for sale!


Hi Sue and thank you! I haven't shown it to David yet and I don't know if he's seen it on the blog! He does know about it though.

Art with Liz said...

Hello Ramesh and thank you. Sachin Tendulkar was gracious enough to acknowledge the sketch with a nod of his head. He is such a quiet, humble man - and an amazing cricketer.


Hi Cathy - I know! And David is the David Biggs of Tavern of the Seas column.

rob ijbema said...

excellent liz
i love the beard and his glazes
and ofcourse his smile!

Marie Theron said...

Hi Liz, there is a lot of character in David's painting and I hope he was surprised to see it! I hope you will be able to do the West Coast pain-tout again this year and pop in here too!

Marian Fortunati said...

Hi Liz..
I haven't been doing too well keeping up with my friends in cyberspace and almost missed this post. Glad I didn't.

I'll bet your friend is really thrilled with his portrait!!!

AND... how wonderful to have the signature of your favorite sports person ON YOUR SKETCH... VERY VERY COOL!!!