At the Pier (Ellis)

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 11×14 Acrylic Aug 2021

This one is for my sweet 12-year-old granddaughter.  It is of her friend and she wanted it to give to her as a surprise. So, she asked it she could “commission” a painting.  I told her that, if it was going to be a gift from her to the friend, she needed to have an investment in it. So, I would charge her.  She asked, “How much?”  I said I would charge her a symbolic number from scripture that represented completion, namely the number 7 – so the fee would be $7.00.  She pulled out a $10 bill and said, “This is from my birthday money.”  I reached in my pocket to get the change and she said, “It’s okay, Grandpa.  The rest is your tip.”  That was so cute. I don’t know this girl but I hope it looks like her.

I had to paint this one quickly so I could have it ready for our planned visit to her family. Here are some photos of various stages of the portrait: