When a loved one passes, the best gift is a portrait that captures their personality in a family heirloom that will last for generations. I know this first hand. You see, I am an artist, and my father passed away just three months ago.

I set out to memorialize him in a painting. In part, this was therapeutic for me. But I know from painting the loved ones for other people posthumous, nothing touches someone and brings joy in a time of grief, like a painting of their loved one that captures the essence of their personality.

More info: DebKArt.com

“Mom and Dad” 9″x12″, oil

I started with what is called an “underpainting”

This is a brown and white painting that captures the values, and lays the foundation for the whole piece. I worked hard to capture my dad’s whimsy and my mother’s strength in their expressions.

Next, I laid in the local colors

For the flesh tones, I began layering the reds, yellows, blues and greens in the darker areas.

Starting with my mom and their hands, I continued modeling the flesh tones

Once I was happy with the flesh, I worked more on the details like the jewelry, glasses, eyes

In the end, I was very happy with the way the piece turned out

My father’s relaxed, rosy cheeked swagger shines through. And my mother’s elegance and determination are evident. For the record, I gave this painting to Mom for what would have been their 57th wedding anniversary, and she loves it.

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