Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Just Having Fun!

My favourite photographer, Shelley Smart, gave me permission to paint this from her amazing photograph!

This little boy, skipping on the beach, oblivious to everyone around him, just enjoying life was just so appealing, I had to ask Shelley if I could paint him.  I have muted the background sea and mountains significantly from the original pic - I just wanted the focus on him.

After taking this photo, I realised that his face was a bit too dark, and will be lightening it somewhat.  But here's the 'before' shot!


This is the place where you'll find the original photo.  Thank you Shelley!

30 comments:

Crystal said...

What a sweet painting! The simple joys of childhood are illustrated so well! :-)

Arti said...

A beautiful image and you did justice to it!I can feel the spring of his step...he looks tanned, no worries!

Shelley Smart said...

Oh, Liz, this came out really, really nice! I don't think his face is too dark. I do like the red on his cheeks which pick up/reflect the color of his pants.

Unknown said...

Oh Liz! Even before a minor corrections, this is a 10 on the Joy Meter! Love it!

martinealison said...

Vous avez donné une seconde vie artistique à cet enfant... après la photo de cette artiste photographe puis une réplique en peinture avec vous... Très joli travail, on sent le bonheur insouciant de l'enfant...
bisous

Carol Blackburn said...

Great job, Liz..........I checked out the original photo, too.

Anthony Duce said...

The painting makes him look so alive. What a beautiful child.

Prabal said...

I just loved the carefreeness and playfulness this kid has. he is having fun without a care in world. Loved it.

SA vs WI tomorrow. Best of luck. :)

Autumn Leaves said...

I love this one! Exuberance and life-loving indeed. Absolutely fabulous, Liz!

Maree Clarkson said...

this is really just so great Liz! there's absolute joy and movement flowing through the painting, love it!

Marian Fortunati said...

I always love Shelley's photos and this painting of yours is absolutely fabulous!!! WOW...

I want to just jump in and join him in his fun sand dance!!!

P. Lathia said...

Nice work! full of joy and movement.

Carol Horzempa said...

Shelly is one of my favorite photographers. You captured this little guy's joy on a sandy beach very well! Great job, Liz!

padmaja said...

There is a fine balance in the figure and the color and the composition accentuates a carefree energy that he gives out!

Marie Theron said...

Such joy in that little body, Liz. You really conveyed the message well and the spectator can feel it too!

Mary said...

What a vibrant, joyful painting this is, Liz! The colors, the muting of the background, the shadowing--everything you've done is masterful. I have greatly enjoyed browsing all your work since my last visit; I'm not a bit surprised that some of the recent works are already sold. All my best to you.

Debbie said...

You have certainly captured the joy and happiness of a child on the the beach!!! Lovely painting and lovely likeness too!

Willy. said...

Freedom on the beach!!
Nice painting.

Cathy Gatland said...

The wonderful ability of a child to be completely absorbed in his own space and time - gorgeous painting Liz! (Did you see the Virtual Paintout destination this month is Cape Town?!)

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

Lovely painting Liz! I wish I could be more like this sweet boy and just enjoy the moment.

Jane said...

What a lovely ad joyful painting. Love it.

Unknown said...

You have captured the joy of his day so well.

www.facebook.com/SuePownallArtist

Marty said...

cette peinture est très belle Liz, tout en mouvement et pleine de joie
de vivre !!! super ! j'aime beaucoup!
je te souhaite un très beau weekend!
bisous

nouvelles couleurs - vienna atelier said...

wow great paint!

Unknown said...

Great blog! I found you through Leovi.. Please come check out my blog as well I started a new one about Art!

SKIZO said...

Wonderful
Work
good creations

Kathleen Hebert said...

This is fun! Love the motion and energy.

Barbara Pask said...

This is wonderful Liz. A cute little boy in a cute pose. I love paintings of children.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you everyone for your great comments - I love them! And I'm sorry I haven't been blogging for three weeks now, but will get back.

Thank you Crystal and Arti.

Shelley, your photos are special and I'm glad to see you're painting your beach scenes.

A Joy Meter! Thank you Sheila.

Merci Martine, you are always such an inspiration.

Carol, Tony, thank you so much.

Thank you Prabal - The WI game was good, but England wasn't so good for either of our countries! (And sorry about yesterday's game - hah!)

Dear Sherry, thank you, and Maree, such a lovely comment!

It was through you Marian, that I found Shelley - thank you!

Thank you Priti.

She is great isn't she Carol.

Hi Padmaja, thank you and great to see you back blogging.

Thank you Marie!

Gosh Mary, what a lovely comment. Many thanks.

Thank you Debbie and thank you Willy!

It was a great photo Cathy! And as for the Vitual Paintout - I was at Rhodes Mem last week - wonder if I can send that in ...

Gosh Rhonda, I think we all need to stop and enjoy the moment occasionally - we just need to let ourselves do that!

Thank you so much Jane and Sue!

Dear Marty, thank you and hugs to you too.

Thank you so much Laura.

Hi Makavetis and many thanks! Love what you're doing on your blog.

Thank you Skizo and Kath, I so appreciate that comment coming from you!

Hi Barbara - thank you!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I don't know how I missed this post. I guess my world was turned upside down,, we all get that way sometime don't we? I came to visit,, because I always enjoy what you do.
I can't even draw a stick figure.. and I am always in awe,,, when I come and see the magic and the beauty that you create.
love
tweedles