The Swimming Lesson by
Original – The subject of this work is my youngest grandson, Toby who is having a swimming lesson from his grandfather. It is a fearful, exciting and exhilarating experience for Toby and a caring and loving one for grandpa. Love, fear, exhilaration and excitement are all powerful emotions which I tried to express in visual terms in this birthday present for the gentleman under the crumpled sun hat.
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Title of work “The Swimming Lesson”
Size of work ( either cm or inches) 30″ X20″
Style : Realism
Technique, Medium & material used Oil on canvas
Date : April 2013
Slight correction.
Toby is definitely my grandson, but the gentleman in the crumpled hat is his other grandfather to whom I gave this painting as a birthday present.
Stephen
The technical work and rhythm of this piece are excellent and the abstractions in the under water portion of the image are beautifully executed in light and color. The greatest strength in this work is the expressions on the faces. The emotions are so evident they can be felt by the viewer. I almost wish the wave patterns imposed over the field of yellows and greens were a little more subtle as they are in front of the figures. I’m sure the grandfather is very pleased to have this beautiful and expressive painting.
Thanks so much for your submission. You are very skilled in working with oils. The expressions on the faces perfectly expresses the moment. Your overall composition is strong. Interesting how water either reflects what is above it or diffuses what is underneath. Very well done. I hope to see more of your art works.
Beyond unquestionable proficiency for realism you display I stand amazed by the truthfulness of faces expression; It conveys perfectly inner emotions till the relation even is given to be felt. I like the way dark shades focus attention in opposition with the play of light scattered upon the waves crest. The water splashes are particularly welcome to suggest movement. But I agree with Peter on the foreground…Unforgetable birthday present for sure, private collection..