All four of us
A busy sitting room, two children on the move, and a family portrait with room for both parents.
The children have found a useful route through the sitting room. It passes the dining-room doorway, crosses the rug and takes them close to their mother’s chair by the window. She can follow most of the activity without putting down her cup.
Books and flowers occupy the coffee table. On the wall between the doorway and the window, a large portrait brings all four family members together. Their father is at work during this afternoon at home, but in the painting he stands close behind them, looking toward their mother.
The idea began with an anniversary and an evening spent scrolling through photographs. There were birthdays, weekends away and pictures of the children making breakfast. Most included one parent or the other. The missing person was usually holding the phone.
They wanted a portrait that included both parents as well as the children. Their favorite photographs were not necessarily the tidiest: someone leaning across someone else, a child nearly out of frame, an arm around a shoulder. They wanted that closeness in the painting, rather than four people standing separately in a line.
In their imagined discussion with Lucien at Atelier Vigée, he suggested bringing the children between the adults and allowing the faces to turn in different directions. The father’s glance toward the mother stayed, while she and the children looked outward. Cream, olive and a dark jacket kept the clothes simple.
The tall wall gave the portrait a place visible from both rooms. It is a large picture in a room that is rarely still for long.
Eventually the children stop running and climb into their mother’s chair. There is room for both, although not much left for the cup. The afternoon continues at closer quarters.
Have someone in mind?
Start with the person or pet you would like painted, a few photographs, and a preferred size. The atelier will help you consider the composition.
Begin Your Portrait
