Melissa, my daughter is graduating next Friday, May 14th!

Melissa Ann Hall

May 14, 20010

Doctorate of Pharmacy
and Clinical Research


HOORAYYYYYYYYYYY!

We are so happy for you
and are going to really
celebrate!!!

Mrs. Escalier, Janis Gallagher's Mother

This beautiful woman is the mother of Janis Gallagher. Her grandson, Andrew is the next painting down - so be sure to read the post concerning his painting. If you go through the archives you will also find the first of the Gallagher family portraits, sister Allison. I hope I am not finished with this fine family yet! They have all been truly a joy to work with as well as (and especially as) paint! If you note a sound of excitement in my typing - you are right. They have all been "easy" to paint - for some odd reason. I have trials and tribulations usually but the karma must be working for myself and the Gallaghers. We are even contemplating a family portrait since my luck or karma or whatever seems to be working so well so far!

Now to the grand painting of one of my favorite senior citizens - Janis' Mom. Janis wanted a tribute to her Mother at the age of 80 - a special birthday present. Her mother's smile comes from way down inside - she is a joy to be around, and of course her family adores her. The idea of a small portrait came to mind. We decided to look through some family pictures and paint her at a wee younger age - (mine to be almost exact) I usually take my own pictures and paint from those or life. The picture we found just happened to have great one source lighting and showed all of what I needed to see. The bonus is - I already had gotten to know her some through the painting of her two grandchildren, Allison and Andrew - so that helps me a lot.

I think it fell together nicely and it was presented to her at her birthday party - then returned to me for the varnishing months later. She was pleased as well as the family. I loved every minute of this painting - especially those electric eyes and warm, inviting smile. She is wonderful!!

Portrait of Andrew Gallagher

Andrew Gallagher's smile truly does light up a room. He could charm the socks off an NBA basketball player! I really didn't think there would be any way I could capture that feeling he conveys from others when you see him in person. I do think that the finished portrait is a close second. By now he has grown a foot and at least Janis and Ed will always remember that little boy who posed on the stool in their sitting room at the ripe old age of 5 everytime they walk by this portrait. I'm very proud of it and all I can say is the subject was totally inspiring!