The Mayor's Wife

12/01/2011 05:44:00 PM Posted In , Edit This 14 Comments »
Well, I've finally started portrait number 4, and it's the wife of  my sweetie's great grandfather.  Her name was Nellie Humes, and they had 9 children.  Their first child was a daughter named Mary, who was my sweetie's grandmother.  She married a man named Harry Cleveland Ryan, who died unexpectedly at a very young age.  When he died they had three children who  were very young when their father died.   Sweetie's mother, who was the middle child, was only 9 years old.  As a result, their grandfather assumed a major role in their lives.  There are many wonderful family stories about them that I love to hear.   Just as an aside, when our older son was in college, one of his professors talked about William B. Thompson in his capacity as mayor.  I asked him if he ever told the prof that he was his great, great, grandfather and he told me he didn't.  I probably wouldn't have either.  What would be the point?

So, anyhow, here's my beginning drawing.  I have quite a bit to do yet, but I thought I'd post it anyway.   Her left eye (on our right) definitely needs some work.

14 comments:

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Thats a great start Nancy, and an inspiration to me as I have been looking at old pictures from mine and my husbands side... I always wanted to do something with them, something more than just putting them in albums. And I have wanted to work on my portraits again... I love the stories you have along the pictures.
Cant wait to see the end result, great work!!!

Vicki Holdwick said...

I agree; this is a great start. I look forward to seeing her in person tomorrow.

xoxo

Alex said...

looking great Nancy =) Love it when you do these WIPss

debra morris said...

Great Nancy, I find portraits so difficult...enjoyed catching up with your blog

Gwen said...

It is so nice when art reflects real life and your story puts it all into perspective!
xx

Revelle Taillon said...

Great start Nancy! Wish I had some more stories to go with my old photos. My Dad is 93 and can't remember too much about who is in them. Write everything down that you know about these for your kids and relatives for the future!

Cathy Holtom said...

You have captured a lot of character in the face, she looks like a strong woman. I wish I had listened more to my Gran's stories, now I have so many questions I'd like to ask!

kazumiwannabe said...

She has personality already. I'm curious to see the other stages of this portrait!

Anonymous said...

Hello Nancy,
This is going to be a wonderful portrait and as you know, that is a difficult thing to do.
Great artwork.
Stew.

Anonymous said...

I think this is going really well - that nose and mouth have real character.

Dan Kent said...

This is really great. Love the shape of the face - a lot of character there. And a determined look, I would say. Well done!

Ann said...

This looks great! You are really moving along wonderfully with your portrait project!

The Art of Phil Davis said...

You are very brave taking on this challenge and have made a great start. I am so crap at faces that maybe I should try it too.
All the best.

Vee said...

It looks like you are off to a great start. She already seems to have a lot of personality. Can't wait to see more!