This is an 18x24" oil painting on canvas I'm calling "Smitty". The oarsman is my brother Bobby Smith, (He took his stepfathers last name Smith) he was perfect for what I was looking for in this painting. Sort of a "Middle-aged man and the sea" concept. Sometimes I get these images and ideas in my head and they haunt me until I put them out there in paint. I've wanted to paint Bobby in this kind of image for a while and as a matter-of-fact, I consider this 18x24" canvas a teaser for a much larger canvas I have in mind for 2010. This filthy rogue still haunts my head.
11 comments:
Very impressive!!! I think his forearm says it all...This piece is about strength and determination. I love I how you are consistently able to capture a full story in just a little snapshot of life. For me, this really is a bout anyone who lives in or loves New England. Thanks Todd...Keep up the great work.
Dan,
As always, a pleasure to hear from my good friend Dan. I always respect your opinions and insight. I think you nailed it with Strength and determination. As a matter-of-fact..go to my other blog, "Painting Life" and see what Jacqui Fayes comments about this painting were.
be good bud, hope to chat with you soon.
All the best,
Todd
Beautifully done Todd. It's exciting to think you might do an even larger version. I bet your brother is very pleased with it too.
Thanks Mona,
I'm very excited to do a larger version...I envision a slightly different composition...maybe more of the boat and different atmospheric conditions..we'll see. Really looking to doing an obscenely large canvas though, that will be fun. As of this writing, my brother hasn't seen it, I'll show him this weekend. He was thrilled to be my model, he's one of the good ones, I love him.
Hope you are well.
Todd
P.S. I just feel I put too much pressure on the artist if I say 'I can't wait', but it's true, so it's also of course, whenever you feel ready on that "obscenely large" version!
Thanks again for your comment too, it's mutual, and your brother is going to love it.
I followed Mona over here to your blog. You do amazing work! Lots of personality in your art!
Todd,
This is amazing knowing Bobby - this captured him so well! Thank you for my painting Bobby gave it to me before Christmas! I love it! It reminds me of being a child - hanging out on the docks of Marblehead. I guess that is the best compliment that I can give you - it makes me remember a childhood from 40 years ago as if I were there again. Thanks again. Love Katie Hazeltine
Hope to see you again in NH.
Gorgeous AGAIN...will you ever turn out a bad painting? lol
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Todd!
Thanks Katie,
I hope to see you guys again next summer...good times. Thanks for the compliments.
Todd
Ha-ha, Thanks April, you always know what to say.
Best regards,
Todd
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