Pointy Portrait - Pen and Ink, Stippled |
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The birthday girl |
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The Invite and my source of gift inspiration! |
Well, once again it's Friday and I find myself at the end of another week not having produced any wonderfully witty blog posts (not sure I ever do, mind you!) and not having produced any new art work either. I have come prepared with a reason/excuse however...last Saturday I flew over to St.Albans in England for the summer glamour party of the year! (And I've sort of been taking the rest of the week to recover - I'm so not a party animal any more!)
It was Farley (a nickname from school which has stuck even into middle-age!), my friend's, 40th birthday and she threw an amazing bash to celebrate. This was the same friend that I decided to do a portrait of, as a gift, as I simply didn't know what I could buy her that she wouldn't already have.
Anyway, it was a brilliant weekend that saw me in a dress and high heels (an extremely rare occurrence) and afforded me the opportunity to spend some time with my oldest friends from school who I don't get to see as often as I would like these days, what with us being scattered all over Northern Ireland and England.
We drank Pimms, sparkling wine and spiced rum at the private function room in a lovely restaurant which although a good size was only just big enough to hold the large number of folk who turned up and later a few die-hard folk (strangely that included me!) went to the VIP suite of a nightclub in a big old country estate and celebrated that last of our gang reaching that milestone birthday with more champagne and a few vodka cranberries!
We drank Pimms, sparkling wine and spiced rum at the private function room in a lovely restaurant which although a good size was only just big enough to hold the large number of folk who turned up and later a few die-hard folk (strangely that included me!) went to the VIP suite of a nightclub in a big old country estate and celebrated that last of our gang reaching that milestone birthday with more champagne and a few vodka cranberries!
I had hoped to post a few photos of the night on here but unfortunately I left my camera sitting on our kitchen table (I've a head and so has a pin, as my mother would say!) and I haven't managed to get any copies from the other party-goers yet.
That was the Saturday night and Farley's actual birthday was on the Sunday so a select few of us went for lunch and loaded up on carbs to soak up the alcohol of the night before at a very lovely Italian restaurant in town.
Farley opened a few of her many, many presents before we left which included my portrait of her. She seemed really surprised and pleased I had done something so personal for her (at least that's what I'm taking from her expression when she saw it and the hug she gave me afterwards!)
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In the frame |
Now, I really need to get cracking on stocking my stall for the Style fair - August won't be long in coming round!
If you fancy seeing a load of brilliant artwork from the corners of the globe then head on over to Paint Party Friday although I warn you - it's getting so big it's taking me all week to get round all the other blogs!
Wonderful portrait with fantastic details ... especially the hair. I have way too much trouble of rendering any hair style. (sigh)
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time! ;)
Absolutely awesome work with the shading here, that hair is stunning! *o*
ReplyDeleteA lovely gift, I would be thrilled if someone drew me! It sounds like a good time was had by all! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF. Your portrait is stunning with loads of fabulous detail. Am sure your friend was over the moon with it. Annette x
ReplyDeleteWonderful portarit. And it sounds like a great party, too Happy PPF! Valerie
ReplyDeleteVery good to do a portrait head and bared dients is very difficult you know? choose the portrait poses more sophisticated than portrayed evitr not feel identified, like YOU have achieved very good. Congratulations sure she is delighted. Saludos
ReplyDeletesounds like a wonderful party and that was the perfect gift. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a party. I think your friend must have loved her gift, I would have.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job and I am so happy that she liked it!! Sounds like a fun weekend! I think all of us need a good weekend with girlfriends from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThe portrait is awesome and there was no doubt she wouldn't love it. :) Great to read you had fun partying. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is wonderful and sounds like you had a super time ;0)
ReplyDeleteLove Dawn x
Fantastic portrait. I just love your work. I have totally been where you are and had to photograph after the art is under glass! Even when it isn't sometimes I get odd reflections and shadows! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful portrait! It's fantastic! Such a special gift! I love your work! Glad you had a great time at the party! Happy PPF ;o)
ReplyDeleteI love your stippled drawings. The portrait is wonderful! Based on the invite I saw (which was a fantastic idea), I think you captured her perfectly.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Awesome portrait! The party sounds like fun. Enjoy. :-)
ReplyDeletefantastic portrait and great gift!! i love the way you framed it!
ReplyDeleteOh how fun that you met up with your friends for a celebration. Sounds like it was a fun time and I bet you looked very nice in dress and heels. That's something I don't even have in my house any longer. It's jeans for me:)) Wow! Fabulous portrait of your friend and how meaningful of you to surprise her with it. I know she loved it. Great work as always. Her hair reminds me of Farrah. Have a great weekend and Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and beautifully made gift! I'm sure your friend is loving it and treasuring it for life. I would love to receive something like that...so personal and thoughtful. You're a wonderful friend, amiga! :)
ReplyDeleteThe celebration sounded like fun, too! I need to round up the neighborhood chicas for another night out. I miss the fun!
Happy PPF and enjoy your weekend!!
oooo, lovely you have the patience of a saint,, so much work,, wow,, beautiful work you do,,
ReplyDeletewow, you do spectacular work!!Happy PPF to you!
ReplyDeleteGreat work on the Portrait Gift and glad she loved it. The Party sounded like great fun. HAPPY PPF!
ReplyDeleteVery nice work! I love the stipple (pointillism) look.
ReplyDeleteWow what a fun party!!!! I love your portrait!!!! You deserve the hugs for it!!! Really nice!!!Deb
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job on the portrait! Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteThe party sounds fabulous! The hostess looks so happy on that portrait. How cool that you used the invitation picture. It adds to the charm of the theme.
ReplyDeleteoh this is amazing....I love it...what a great job you did on this piece.....
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by anyone who can do portraits! Definitely not my strong suit. Thanks so much for your comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteOhhh this was SO worth the wait- it is absolutely gorgeous! I know she was thrilled!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you on how long it's taking to make the PPF rounds.....but I like it that we're getting so big :)
PPF Hugs,
Stephanie
Great work - what a talented daughter I have.
ReplyDeleteMum
Fabulous portrait and gift! Farley should be so honored for you the famous artist to do it for her! thanks for yr sweet comments on my watercolors and garden . Happy PPF. take care, gerri
ReplyDeleteWow! Fabulous work, she is wonderful. Kim
ReplyDeletehi hot stuff.
ReplyDeletesorry for following you Twice, i am trying to delete my old email, but until gmail frees me from it's clutches, you are stuck with two amys.
xx,
amy
Super portrait...and I know St.Albans very well...went to art college there and I live about 20mins away. Sounds like you had a fantastic time (-;
ReplyDeleteThis is such a clever way of painting. It must be SO time consuming! This portrait is brilliant!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Love the hair :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time. Would have loved to see you dressed up. You are such a good friend to do this wonderful portrait for her big 4-0.
ReplyDeleteThis was so worth the wait! It's awesome! I know she loved it. What a treasure this is. Great job you did! Sounds like you had a wonderful time at the party. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work on the portrait of your friend, Nicola. I also like how you had it framed. Sounds like a great weekend other than the heels. I can't do those!
ReplyDelete