“Her Mother’s Eyes” (Peet)

by Godfrey J. Ellis

This was commissioned by the same couple who wanted the painting of the wife in the straw hat going through the Panama Canal. This one was of the same woman 40 years ago – the baby is now 40 years old. The eyes came out well, which was good because the eyes were the husband’s favorite part of the original photo.

This reference photo had faded with age. I wanted to brighten it up. It looks like she is sitting in the chair but look closer and you will see she is on the footstool in front of the chair. Since the chair was not part of the story, I took that out.

Below are the two paintings for the couple with the actual framing they chose. The matt and frame really adds to the painting, I think. It has glass because of the matt so the photo has some glare.

Here is a photo of the husband holding the painting before it was framed.

Below are four photos of the portrait as it took shape.