Photographer

"Photographer" 12x16  Pastel

This is a very personal painting. My father enjoyed photography as a hobby from the time he was a young man.   I remember him with his trusty camera at every family occasion and vacation, as my two sisters and I were instructed to pose. He had collected many cameras over the years, from the old Brownie, to the latest digital. But, about a year after suffering a stroke, he decided it was time to part with his collection.  It was difficult for him to hold a camera steady and he felt he had no need for them, anymore.  Sadly, we each selected one antique camera as a keepsake. Before the collection was  distributed, I asked Dad if he would pose for me with his cameras.  We had a good time, as he mimicked us as kids, being uncooperative in front of the camera. And he was patient with me while I tried a gazillion poses. This is the one, though, that I had to paint... it's Dad, the the way he's always been, preparing his camera for the next photo opportunity.

I am honored that "Photographer" has been accepted to be on exhibit in the Northwest Pastel Society Members Show 2012. It won a Juror's Choice Award and  is on exhibit at Columbia Center For the Arts, Hood River, Oregon until October 28th.