Portrait of a Young Woman and the Story Behind It

in #art7 years ago

Certain people spark my inspiration. Certain faces call to me. And certain souls seem to echo my own. When that happens, it's as if a magnet is drawing me to them. When it's really strong, something in my heart longs to express that in paint or music or writing.

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My niece is one of those people. She and I are like peas in a pod - "old souls" who feel deeply. Romantics. We observe and mentally explore the things that we see around us. We both don't like being forced into anything, and we each have a little streak of defiance that is expressed in different ways. We love artsy, offbeat, romantic movies. We're both artists and writers. We're definitely kindred spirits.

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There are was a moment in time where I just had to capture that connection, that beauty, in a painting and to create a portrait of her. We were at a family party and she was just glowing with life. I took some photos of her in front of a huge fig tree that has been part of her life since she was a baby. (There is a lovely photo of her as a toddler playing in the flowers under this huge, majestic tree.) So here she was, standing in front of those lovely green leaves, looking stunningly beautiful and full of life - with a hint of wonder about what her future would bring.

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It was those photos that I used to create a portrait of her and to capture bits of her personality; her pensiveness, her defiance, her thoughtfulness, and her inner and outer beauty.

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She's grown into an incredibly strong and talented woman, and in a few weeks she is getting married to a man that adores her. My heart is singing. My kindred spirit is embarking on a new and special journey - one that will be beautiful and challenging. And I will be here as a friend, an aunt, a "sister" - with the consistency of the huge fig tree. Part of her life for many new "portraits" to come.

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Such a beautiful portrait & niece! I write poetry you may be interested in looking at if you're a writer. Until next time!

I just read some of your poetry. I commented on your Time Bomb Thoughts post. Very fun. Thanks for sharing!

Very nice painting!

Thank you so much! I really liked the drawing you did for your tattoo - excellently drawn! I'd love to see the photos when you get it done.

A truly amazing story and a truly amazing painting. I can almost feel your connection with this beautiful soul. She appears to not only be a part of your Earthly family but also part of your soul family. I am so happy for her and wish her, and you, many blessings. :) BE LOVE BE TRUE FOR THAT IS YOU.

Such a beautiful comment. Yes, I think there is a deep spiritual bond here too. Thank you for spending the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it.

Every single one of your posts makes me smile on the inside. The way you have managed to capture her in words and on the canvas lets us feel her beauty and yours too. Thank you for sharing your art!

Oh my gosh, that is the best compliment!!! They way you described it; it's the very goal of what I am trying to achieve - capturing a special moment in painting and words and then sharing it with others. Your words fill my heart with joy.

Wow ..wonderful.I loved the way to showed the portrait in parts slong with the beautiful story.Me too love writing poems and do not like to be forced so i could relate to your story really..Wish to see more of it.

I wanted to show some of the detail in the painting, so I thought it would be nice to do some close up shots. Much better than just showing a single photo, I think. So glad that you liked it and the story. Would love to see some of your poetry here on steemit. Happy writing!

I love a good story that is romantic in content with love for a person admired, artistic, a gentle old soul, who sees the world from a deeper perspective, someone like your niece. It is obvious how much you a love her. That you are kindred spirits in a world full of wonder. Your story is rich and the portrait is perfectly aligned with how you perceive her.

Wow, that is a truly beautiful description. I feel like you "get" me and my story, and my heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Looks like you are in a lovely adventure right now over on your homestead. Wonderful things! I'm interested in seeing more. I'm following you now!

Thank you for the follow. I truly enjoyed reading about your niece. So few people really let their feelings be known. Myself included. I think your kinship with her is very special.

You are naturally art-inclined; I can see it, but I tell you something: my younger sister, age 13, loves your artistic works. She is also art-inclined. You got to be serious now; she is looking up to you. Keep it up, you and your beautiful soon-to-be-married niece.

Hi there! Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm really glad that your younger sister likes my work. I love being able to have someone enjoy what I have done. When I was a young girl, I had a woman who helped inspire and teach me about art and it had a huge impact on me. So I hope that I will be able to inspire and help other young artists to pursue their creative gifts.