Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Every Day in May—EDM #20 Draw something "Dad" in honor of father's day


This is my father, Jim Lawson. He turned 84 three days ago. On his birthday, all the people at the gym stopped exercising and sang happy birthday to him. One woman asked him what he used for wrinkle cream and he said the same thing he uses to brush his teeth—hmmmm.

I sketched this in March when I was visiting my parents in California. We were sitting outside in the sun after going to the gym. He looks pretty good!

This was a painting I did in a Charles Reid workshop I took last year. Charles likes using black and white photos as an exercise in his classes. I just happened to have this photo of my father in my art bag. It was taken when he was a senior in high school and on the football team at "Paly High" in Palo Alto, California. Following in the footsteps of his famous father, Stanford University's first All-American football player—Jim Lawson.

What a dude! Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day.

10 comments:

Debbie said...

Your are so lucky to have attended one of Charles Reid's workshops! I have 5 of his dvd's and 3 of his books. I love to watch him paint!

Anna Wolf said...

Your father really seems to be an amazing person! I hope I will be that fit at 84!!! Great sketches as well, love your work! Feel like I am repeating myself here, but I really DO love your style :D Thanks for sharing!

Shalini said...

Oh my!! The color 'photo' (your painting!!) makes your dad look so much like 'today's' Very nice!

Sandy said...

What a Dude Indeed!!!! Awsome tribute to 84 years Young!!! I'll have to try the toothpaste facials!?

Cathy Holtom said...

Such lovely paintings and a lovely looking dad!

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, I just love your Portrait paintings. I'mteaching myself thiswonderfulmedium and wanted to know what colors doyou use foryour flesh tones?Brushes round and with a good point would you recommend?What was it like tobe with Charles Reid? I can just imagine.Love your blog soand have really learned alot .
Thank you so,
Linda

_Frankb10 said...

What a lovely story about your father (and painting too).

I think that doing a colour painting from a black & white photo allows you to be much more creative with regard to colour.

A Brush with Color said...

What marvelous images of your handsome dad, Jennifer. He sounds like a fabulous guy--please tell him happy birthday for me and a happy father's day too! My dad turns 86 on the 8th of June. Your paintings are excellent--I really love both of them. He must be touched!

Dan Kent said...

I really love the painting of your dad, the way the colors run and mix, and the lack of line. Very well done!

Gillian Mowbray said...

What wonderful sketches. Your Father is so handsome - that early photo shows him like a young Paul Newman!