Aaron Fodiman and Margaret Word Burnside are the creative publishers of the Tampa Bay Magazine. But that’s just the starting point for their imagination. They also have commissioned a whole array of portraits in oil of themselves. This is what I would call “a delightful expression of love!”
First of all, it was fun to see them portrayed in different artistic styles: realistic, impressionistic, abstract and even surreal. Then, on top of that you have the variations of attitudes: serious, conservative, light-hearted and whimsical.
I learned right away that they champion each different artist’s independency of viewpoint. As directors for unscripted artists, they set the scene. To give the artist more than hearsay and physical impressions to go by, they invite the artist out to dinner.
Thus Gerry and I were soon chatting and sipping wine with them in the historic district of Dunedin. As we twirled forks with our Chilean Sea Bass at the Black Pearl Restaurant, we bantered stories across the table. Through it all I was impressed with the good-natured play they shared with each other. And they brought us into it.
When I showed my delight at their mention of their high-gabled gingerbread house, they invited us to come see it. Yes indeed! I found the perfect setting for their painting In that distinguished environment.
Now the tables turned as we became the directors and Aaron and Margaret turned enthusiastic actors. She in her ivory lace gown and he with his black tux and red bow tie, they entered the picture.
Gerry aimed his camera to shoot the all-important reference pictures. Then I, with my colors and brushes and a collection of memories of our rendevous’, chose what to paint. Over the next stretch I placed thousands of brush strokes side by side, left and right and up and down to make everything fit just right. At last I declared their latest portrait in oil complete!
Shortly after I finished it, the full-page feature portrait came out in the Tampa Bay Magazine. I couldn’t wait to hear what people had to say.
Yes, interest had been peeked. Margaret called me right away. They were deluged with calls. “The sheer aliveness and realness that is in the painting is wonderful.” “Your dress is so beautiful.” “That’s the real you that the artist captured!”
Being the creator of a portrait of a well-known and loved couple, I also got my quota of attention. Some people wanted to share congratulations with me. Others asked about me, portrait making, and the steps to get their portraits done.
One man saw the painting in the magazine and showed it to his wife. He told her, “Honey, I think it’s time!” The wife called me right away and arranged to meet me at my studio. Within minutes of arriving she breathlessly asked if I would paint her entire family. Later she told me that they had been wanting to get portraits done for a long time but just “had not found the right artist.”
It’s such a joy to make people happy with my life’s work. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you would like in your very own portrait in oil!
