I think it was the Commodore's Ball. It seemed as though my parents went to so many formal occasions when I was growing up. I believe it was as much fun for me to watch the whole preparation process as it was for them to attend these events. My mother had a dressmaker who made some of those gowns for her and I thought each one was more beautiful than the last. She had a beaded necklace woven into the shoulder of a one-shoulder gown that I thought was spectacular...me, who lives in blue jeans and sweat shirts. She also had some "glass slippers" that I thought were just amazing. I wonder how I came to be such a slacker?Anyway, I came across this snapshot of them and thought it needed to be painted.
22 comments:
Paula, this is too cool. Anyone who grew up with parents who wore these kinds of get-ups will relate. I still remember my mother's Jane Jetson hairdo (mostly because she still wears it that way!) But I also loved her Cleopatra sparkly aqua eyeliner (Maybelline) and her dresses like these. (I'm a slacker too but we have better things to do than be mannequins, right?! :) Anyway, this is a really cool painting!
Paula, this is too cool. Anyone who grew up with parents who wore these kinds of get-ups will relate. I still remember my mother's Jane Jetson hairdo (mostly because she still wears it that way!) But I also loved her Cleopatra sparkly aqua eyeliner (Maybelline) and her dresses like these. (I'm a slacker too but we have better things to do than be mannequins, right?! :) Anyway, this is a really cool painting!
Thanks Camille, and yes, I'm so glad that the days of cotton candy hair are a thing of the past. (Although I used to marvel at the different shapes the hairdressers could sculpt for each customer!) Cleopatra sparkly aqua eyeliner...sounds awesome!
It's awesome that you found this photo and painted it! What a wonderful way to remember this moment in time!
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you Manon, I found it interesting how painting this particular image conjured up so many memories and made me think about some of the things that influenced me in my life. I'm glad I had the opportunity to really consider this. Merry Christmas to you too!
Paula, What fun! I have painted old snapshots of my children. I think it is so cool. I love the format you came up with, showing the side of the snapshot. Great Composition!
I love this Paula...I love the story! I always love how my girls looks at me when I am getting ready for a party or something...Claire always goes, WHoa mommy...Like she forgets I can be glamourous once in a while. They both get so "into" the prep when I am getting ready. My mom never dressed up, never went anywhere, so it is neat to see them get excited over me. Your story makes me think someday maybe they will have those memories about me....How wonderful that you have them!
And I LOVE the photo edge with date left in the painting. What an awesome touch! A very YOU touch!
Great!
Thanks Katie! I did really enjoy those times and to me, there could be no one more beautiful than the way my mother looked; she was really in her element. I'll bet your girls feel the same way when they see you. Thanks for stopping by!
I LOVE it! I have painted MY parents at the Policeman's Ball (which my Mom was the Queen) - yes, I totally 'get' how a blue jeans girl like you can be entranced by the sparkle and the joy of those evenings. Inside of each of us is a little girl who likes the 'glitter'....
so true Kelley....! Maybe in my next lifetime I will be a little more glammed up!
you rock, Paula. What a wonderful painting and memory!
thanks for adding yourself to the Followers on my blog :D
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Hi Paula
Thank you for posting on my blog and giving me this opportunity to introduce myself and to be able to view your work.
I shall be following your blog with interest.
Good luck with the quick drying oils.
Regards
Trevor
Mary, it's always a pleasure...and as you know, I follow your blog regularly!
Welcome Trevor! I'm so glad you stopped by. Not only did I enjoy the oil painting you posted but I am also branching out into watercolors so I'm thrilled I found your blog. I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Wow wow, this is wonderful!! What exciting parents you had..
Love the painting.
FUN!!!
Aren't memories wonderful??
We're all so much more casual (aka slobby) now in the way we dress... more comfortable but in a way kinda sad, I think.
Do you or your mom still have any of those hand made dresses??
Hey, Sandy and Marian, so nice to hear from you both! Those dresses are long gone...although they don't go to those events any more, my mother still manages her closet space pretty carefully...it's valuable real estate for her current clothes! I could learn a thing or two about her organizational skills!
Awesome painting Paula, my mother used to wear these tiny little clothes that I couldn't get one leg in (I'm sure I must have been adopted). I'm a casual person too--just give me jeans and I'll be happy. Hope you had a Merry Christmas.
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda and thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you the best in 2009!
Wonderful portrait Paula, I love the whole "photo" look with the date stamp included! A very nice tribute. Hope you had a great Christmas!
Nice to hear from you Michelle! Christmas was wonderful, thanks for asking. I hope you have a happy and healthy New Year!
Cool story, and nice painting.
Thanks for visiting my blog Peggi! I look at yours also and love your work!
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