An Old Fashioned Family Portrait

One thing I really love about doing commission work is getting to know the people and families I’m making the art for. It is a unique task and lots of fun to try to figure out how best to go about making something special and meaningful to someone I usually have never met. I am happy to report that this painting was very rewarding to create and has a lovely family to go home to!
It started out in a unique way as well because the piece is painted on an antique wooden drawer that had been part of the workshop of the family’s grandfather. It was such an interesting surface to work with and really gave it a little something extra that made the piece have an authentically old feel.
I painted the family in a springtime scene using the mother’s favorite colors and arranged the family in front of their 1817 New England home, wearing period clothes. There are lots of little details in the painting, and I enjoy tucking little things in for the families to find upon close inspection.

This photo of the painting still on my desk as I worked on it gives a better look at the texture of the wooden drawer. The wood was very sturdy and well worn, and made a perfect setting for an antique-style family portrait!

The painting is now safe in it’s new home and it’s on to other pieces for me! I’m just finishing up a smaller commission and then I have another huge one to tackle— I’m looking forward to it! I am also getting prepared for the store update on Sept.1 with lots of new fall and winter items! Can’t wait for you all to see them!

In other news, school started yesterday and things have been busy, but I’m looking forward to the new routine and time to paint. So far she’s loving kindergarten and I’m so excited to see all that she learns this year!

Thanks for stopping by, and I’ll talk with you more soon!~
~H

15 responses to “An Old Fashioned Family Portrait”

Kelsey

Aug 21, 2012 at 7:58 pm

That is a REALLY beautiful painting. I love that the canvas is part of that family's history and it makes the painting that much more special. Love when old wood is reused in art pieces.

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Civil Folks

Aug 21, 2012 at 8:31 pm

Heather,Simply beautiful! I love the colors, the medium and the surface. Wonderful job!Pam

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sweetheartville

Aug 21, 2012 at 8:40 pm

I love this! What a special painting.

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Susan

Aug 21, 2012 at 10:19 pm

What a fortunate family to receive this special heirloom painting from you Heather! I'm not surprised they live here in New England by the looks of the painting. :)Hope your little Audrey enjoys kindergarten, my A starts next week.

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Winnie

Aug 21, 2012 at 10:29 pm

This is a wonderful painting of the family! And I too love the fact that it is painted on another family heirloom. What a great combo to create something that expresses the strength of the family past with the present!

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Lauren

Aug 22, 2012 at 1:23 pm

I love that you included their house, too. I don't know about other people who live in old houses, but for me, mine is an extension of my personality. I'm always amazed that Paul and I were able to find the perfect duplex for us, like it was just sitting around waiting for us to come along.Kindergarten is so exciting! I know I had a good time.

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Storybook Woods

Aug 22, 2012 at 7:00 pm

What a beautiful portrait Heather. They must be over the moon. Clarice

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58 Cherries

Aug 22, 2012 at 7:49 pm

So cute!! I love it. Family portraits can be so interesting.And commissioned work is the best – to know that someone likes your art and asks you to make them something special for them. I freaked out just a bit when someone asked me to do one and then said I wasn't charging enough and insisted on paying me more. It's such a compliment! I really am enjoying your recent work and I love the silhouette you did with your initials in the header, too! How are your rabbits doing? I miss my lop eared bunny, Penelope, that I had as a child. I also loved the recent photo of your new kitten. So sweet! Sorry I haven't been commenting much, I've been so busy I'm behind in my blogging. 😉 Hope you've had a great summer!Nicki58Cherries

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Farmer’s Wyfe

Aug 23, 2012 at 4:32 am

What a great piece!!! Love it!

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Pierre BOYER

Aug 23, 2012 at 5:26 am

Interesting work…Best regards from Paris,Pierre

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TeresaM

Aug 23, 2012 at 11:57 am

WOW!!! Beautiful and such a wonderful family heirloom for years to come!

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Ree Leibrand

Aug 23, 2012 at 12:40 pm

Hi- I am a new follower, just Love your work. Off to check out your Etsy shop now.RaggedyRee

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Martha

Aug 23, 2012 at 3:03 pm

Splendid painting Heather! You did very well with this commision.the family from the picture look… a bit Dutchy to me.Do they have Dutch ancestors by any chance? 🙂

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Faerie Moon Creations

Aug 25, 2012 at 4:07 pm

Wow! What a fabulous family portrait. I am sure the family loves it!!! 🙂

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Alyson (New England Living)

Jan 4, 2013 at 2:20 am

Just stumbled upon this one, and don't know how I didn't see it before! Gorgeous, Heather! As you know, I know this family, and I'm sure they must be in love with it!

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