Monday, December 10, 2012

Grandma's Bragging Rights!

 Beached Boats, by Mike....

 mixing the colors...

 the master at work...

finishing touches...
Part of my recent four day stay in Massachusetts was to help my Grandson Mike with his Spanish homework. Now don't get me wrong I don't speak the language but I could certainly help him with the art project side of his homework. The assignment was to copy a painting of Joaquin Sorolla, a Spanish Impressionist! I may have studied him over 40 years ago but his name did not ring a bell! Mike looked through his work and decided on the boats, titled "Beached Boats" and printed it out. 
After a trip to the art store we were ready! I'm pretty sure I was more excited than he was! "I hate to paint Grandma," he proclaimed! That word "hate" usually translates into fear of the unknown. Don't you think?
Deep breath Grandma, one step at a time. With very little instruction and a few helpful hints, Mike ran with it. We were all amazed, as drawing is really his thing, he is in advanced art classes in school. He added a few extra touches and made it his own. He took his project to school the next morning, two weeks early. A very quiet young man, I know he was proud of it! His teacher was amazed and said she might have to keep it! Mike's comment, "you will have to fight my mom for it!" I'm hoping he paints a lot more and just maybe this summer while up north, I will just have to paint with him!
I am so darn proud of this kind and gentle soul. I love him so!!! 
A special Thank You, to his Spanish teacher who has expanded his horizons, certainly boosting his confidence! Great job! 
And for myself, just so honored that he asked! What else are grandmothers for????


"Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (February 27, 1863 - August 10, 1923) was a Spanish painter, born in Valencia, who excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes. His most typical works are characterized by a dexterous representation of the people and landscape under the sunlight of his native land."~google search~

Pin It!

18 comments:

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

He did such a great job! I see why you are so proud of him. I hope he will continue to paint.

Sharon Wagner said...

That must have been quality time spent with a grandson. And he impressed!

Lisa Gordon said...

What a wonderful experience for both of you, Rosemary! He really is quite an artist, and the painting is just wonderful!

The Artful Diva said...

Mike is very talented - one can only imagine how far his art will take him!

hootnonny said...

You have a right to feel proud. His painting is excellent...your talent must have gone right to him!

Deanna said...

Your post just made me smile...what a special connection you have with your grandson...and what talent!! It's terrific that he is receiving encouragement for his talents!!

TexWisGirl said...

wow!!! this was his first attempt at painting?! holy smokes! he is gifted!

Debbie said...

What a wonderful opportunity to spend time with your grandson! So happy to see his beautiful art work, he is very talented!

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

All I can say is WOW.. NICELY DONE MIKE! love the subject matter he picked to. I hope he does more paintings.. he is good.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Beautiful Painting! He is so talented!

Carola Bartz said...

His painting is beautiful! I can easily understand that you are proud of him! And he is such a lucky guy to have you as his grandma.

Unknown said...

wow he is really talented, hope he start to paint more and more to find it comfortable to do so he can really learn more.

Charlotte Wilson said...

I could see the original in the corner of one of the photos. But I like Mike's rendition best! He is really talented and knows his colors.
I hope he continues. He has his grandma's gift.

Reena said...

Your grandson has some mighty good talent. Great painting.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

That's a wonderful story, warms the heart. Don't you just love seeing them succeed and growing in confidence.

Gail Dixon said...

Rosemary, this was so touching! You obviously have a very gifted grandson on your hands. How sweet that you were there to help and encourage him. I am really impressed with his rendering!!

Hilary said...

Oh that boy has talent. I'm so glad he turned "I hate to paint" into a work of pride. Beautiful.

Nancy said...

He's already such a mature artist. Must take after Grammy. :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...