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johnpaulthornton — Missing Child Portrait 64
Published: 2010-04-16 00:32:41 +0000 UTC; Views: 2133; Favourites: 61; Downloads: 67
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Description
Portrait of a missing girl named Bianca Elaine LebronShe was born on June 26th, 1991
Reported missing November 7th, 2001 from Bridgeport CT.
Oil on canvas.
Bianca is a girl I never met. She is being honored by the "Guardian Angel" project. Please read about the Guardian Angel project here: [link]
This actual painted portrait of Bianca will be sent to Guardian Angel and deviant artist
moijoie
This painting of Bianca will be symbolically cared for by melanie and then"returned" safely back to me.
John Paul Thornton
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Comments: 14
Commemorating these children in this way is beautiful. You must be a wonderful person. Hats off to you for doing this. The paintings are admirable.
Mer
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I really like this one as well : I like that their features look so distinct on your 2 last paintings... Textures and colors are amazing.
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The features appear more distinct and descriptive, but up close the "painterliness" is still intact. This is my goal and it is a challenge.
I hold myself true not to my technical abilities, but to the demands of the subject, and the emotional experience of approaching the portrait head-on.
I still ask the question aloud to myself: "What is the appropriate way to paint a missing child."
If I believe that the WAY a subject is painted should match the subject, then I put myself on a path of compassion with the subject.
So, the jarringness and complexity of these paintings is the result.
But there is tenderness, too.
Tenderness.
And if I follow that tender compassion, the results can appear quite soft...
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Yes, I noticed that - I was thinking that if the features were more visible, the technique you used was exactly the same. Don't know why, but the phrase "through a glass darkly" always comes to my mind when I see your work...
I totally agree about your view : I always try to paint/draw a subject according to the way I perceive him/her, this has to be this way according to me. To me, a subject has a specific color scheme, a specific texture (smooth or rough)and a specific style in general.
I saw the tenderness in your painting : the skin looks so tender, there is something quite carnal - reminding motherly (or fatherly) love for a very young child - not sure it makes sense, but this is how I feel it
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this is different, the feature's are clearer than the bold strokes and texture you usually portray. any reason?
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She spoke to me. The painting began crazy and explosive.But it was not her...
I sanded it down at the mid-point and quieted her down.
Love, JP
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So she disappeared at 10, and now she is 19. So
Sad but so nice to know that after all those years the people that love and knew her have still not forgotten her in part due to your beautiful portrait.
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This project was really good idea!
Art can change the world indeed.
Nice work with the paints too.
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Amazing JP.... the painting, the project, and YOU in general.
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Hello LeAnne!
Thank you for your support and thoughtful comments . They do mean so much to me.
I am becoming a bit obsessive compulsive about the setting up of this project, but have no attachment to outcome. I am excited to let it unfold as I mail these children's portraits out.
There are also artists all over the world who are contributing artworks of their own...
I wish you and your family well.
PS. I miss DC and MTG around here. Bet you do too!
John Paul
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Can't wait to see the turn out! Nothing wrong with being OC about something you believe in.
PS: You know they are both back, right?
*damien-c2
*MikeShawPhotography
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Oh yay!
Thank you, LeAnne!
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