A couple of months back I received a call from someone who has since become a friend. Sandra Even and her husband Perry had an idea for a painting that was so ambitious she wondered if it was “crazy.” As I listened, I tended to agree but thought we should keep talking. It was basically to include ten family members, in period dress, in action, in front of their Spanish style house.
The house and patio as I photographed it on my first visit.
The house, a majestic piece of architecture in the Santa Ana hills, was to figure prominently with the people, positioned candidly and naturally out in front. The first challenge with that, however, was the pool . . . which was right where everyone would need to be.
The planned placement.
Assuming we’d figure a way to make it happen, we determined the size and the shape of the painting by architectural factors and furniture already in the home. As they’d been dreaming of this idea for some time, the place for the painting had been long reserved. It was to be the jewel in a very beautiful ring.
A quasi-sepia tone version of the final photo.
I figured if we could get a photo, I could make the painting. So they set a date, brought family members in from distant places, located and borrowed early-California garb, and with the help of photographer friends, we arranged the shoot. The idea was for each to be in natural pose, acting in a way that indicated their particular talents or activities. That’s Perry and Sandra bringing in the wine and the bread. Their parents are at a game of cards, a normal activity for them. Via photoshop magic, the group has been pulled out from the house and the pool is gone. For the photo, one dog represented two (again, photoshop).
Laying in the background.
Here’s the first and easiest step in the painting process . . . getting rid of all that white canvas (in this case, linen).
The cartoon.
After the photo, the drawing is the most important step. This one’s in charcoal. Cartoon is the actual word for this stage, though it’s exacting work and there’s nothing “funny” about it.
The first stage of painting.
This, and the following, show stages of oil paint being applied. At first it took on a sepia look, reminiscent of early photography. But the idea was for full color, if somewhat muted, with the “period” clothing.
Faces and limbs established.
The whites of the garb began to add punch as well as a sense of unifying design across the width of painting. Why faces first? Because they are the most challenging and, in a portrait, most important.
All clothed.
Here the figures are all complete, but for some finishing touches. The red dog has been painted in thanks to a photo supplied later, as well as the still life on the table, the card game, etc.
The house painted.
Once a stranger who learned I was a painter asked if I paint houses. “Yes,” I said, “though with a very small brush.” Above is one example of such.
The final version. Click on picture for larger view.
By the time I was done, the earth had become brown, the sky bluer, the clouds brighter, the foliage fuller, the windows more reflective, a wall-display of crosses added in, and Sandra’s hair more flowing.
The painting’s new home within a home.
Here’s the painting on its day of delivery. Someday it may receive a frame; meantime, it is a piece of lasting pleasure, a “crazy” idea that worked.
Here’s a quote from Sandra Even following delivery: “We continue to spend time each evening gazing at our painting. It is profound and very meaningful to us. Those who have seen it are complimentary yet almost without words.”
I’m grateful, and happy that they’re happy.
.
Current and Upcoming Events
Next: Tucson
Thanks to the loan of a desert hideaway, we’re off to Tucson for a week of art-making. Will doubtless be reporting on results of that in an upcoming post.
NEW: Prints Available for all paintings
Giclee prints on canvas or watercolor paper are now available for order on virtually the full array of Hyatt Moore paintings. See “Store” above, or click here.
Blank Slate, the “literary” blog
The writing blog, Blank Slate, is viewable on this same website (top right). One recent post featured a painting my dad made, with historical meaning. Check it out. To subscribe, click here.
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Call for information, 949-290-8643
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10:28 am
Hyatt,
That is beyond my comprehension. Incredible work. Beautiful art. Gifted genius.
10:45 am
I would say “unbelievable.” But it is believable entirely because I saw it in stages. I think the word is extraordinary. Wish I could see their faces for the unveiling. Here’s to many more commissions of this scope, Hyatt.
10:51 am
Great to see the painting from start to finish. It’s amazing!
10:58 am
This is the most amazing piece of work I have ever seen. I am an artist and this just took my breath away. Work well done.
11:02 am
Amazing! So fun to see the stages along the way. What a great idea and result of Hyatt’s genius.
11:14 am
Hyatt, I am always pleased and inspired by your words and by your work.
Many thanks,
Anne
11:16 am
That was amazing Hyatt and very interesting. I will pass this blog on to some of our other friends.
11:29 am
Hyatt, it’s not just your work that boggles even creative, artistic “civilians,” it’s your explanations, as well. Their clarity, the breakdown of chapters in the narrative and the rethinking/tweaking/fine-tuning in your workflow. Thanks for the marvelous, behind the scenes insight into your obvious genius. btw, I didn’t know you do commission work.
11:35 am
Very much enjoyed the stages of progress. Fun how the plants grew, the dog changed, the tablecloth went from deep red to lighter green. What a wonderful project!
Thanks so much for sharing the process of it!
11:49 am
Thanks so very much, Hyatt, for the time you invested and the thoughtfulness you showed in taking us along on this extraordinary journey with the Even family. You brightened my day by showing the rough cut, the slowly advancing stages, and the final joy–a marvelous metaphor of the Creator-artist’s on-going work in our lives.
12:13 pm
Beautiful piece of work, Hyatt! It’s nice to see a family portrait done so well! I can imagine how happy this made them.
12:34 pm
Hyatt, thanks for explaining the process for composing and painting a difficult group portrait: very interesting.
2:27 pm
You never cease to amaze me. What beautiful work…and what fun to do this as a family. Now, where can I find vintage clothing and pull this family of mine together…hey you could even add my beloved to the picture too…right?
Thanks so much for the opportunity to see this work in progress….
Blessings,
C
2:38 pm
THAT LARGE FAMILY PAINTING AT THE SPANISH HOUSE IS A “WOW” HYATT ! THAT FAMILY WAS LUCKY TO FIND YOU AND GET SUCH A GREAT PIECE.
CHEERS.
JUDY
2:52 pm
Loved seeing the steps to an amazing painting….Thanks for sharing….
3:04 pm
My dear brother,
There’s only one thing I would add to all of the well-deserved alocades and more; thanksgiving to He who is the quintessential Creator for entrusting His gift of creativity with my friend and His faithful steward, Hyatt Moore!
5:19 pm
Fantastic work; all the more enjoyable by watching in emerge is stages. A keepsake to treasure for this lucky family!
5:44 pm
What an absolute joy it always is to see you take risks and succeed with so much splendor. Thanks for your example of faith in action. You are blessing us with your gift in so many ways.
6:30 pm
I loved seeing and hearing the process in making that wonderful family portrait. A real God given talent you have kept working with.
8:16 pm
Hyatt,
So very unique. I am reminded of the Last Supper with the twelve tribes.
We are only limited by our imagination. Your’s is abundant and still so very alive.
A gift of creativity from the creator Himself. Thank you for sharing the gift He has given you. Blessings !
George
9:01 pm
Thanks for sharing this. I loved seeing the story of how it happened.
9:37 pm
What a phenomenal piece of art, Hyatt. Thanks so much for
displaying and explaining the process. I’m thinking of how fortunate the commissioners of this piece are to have had you capture them in their space in such a joyous moment of their lives. They all seem so natural and life-like. What a unique treasure you’ve created.
Also, Huntington Beach Art League members thoroughly enjoyed your demonstration on Wednesday, May 1st and appreciated all you had to say on the business side of being an artist. You always manage to surprise and delight us, but this time the wealth of relevant information you shared was much appreciated by all.
9:46 pm
What a treasure for this family, and what a blessing that you were able to complete this for them.
9:49 pm
I’m speechless, Hyatt. The sequence is like slowly seeing God’s treasure appear in these “earthen vessels.”
10:56 pm
I am just speechless so all I can put on paper are my explanation points —- so here goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) You are just sooooooooooooooooooooo talented!!!!! Unbelievable! and to get to watch you make this!!!!! Puuuuuurrrreee joy!!!!!!!! Blessings! Lisa And you are sooooooooo blessed with talent! Over abundantly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8:25 am
Wow, if someone was going to take on this challenge, they picked the perfect man to do it….this is a great heirloom for their family and so whimsical. This is not boring and has so much personality and flare. I can go on and on. High five Hyatt. You blow me away.
9:00 am
What a wonderful experience! I am sure it will always be a source of joy to you to have created something so meaningful for someone else. Thank you for sharing!
9:57 am
WOW..Thanks for posting the process. Amazing to see the transformation.I knew you were a good artist with all your bold colors but didn’t know what a gifted illustrator you are. Maybe I should take drawing workshops from you! Ha!
Have a wonderful time in AZ.
Still up here is Idaho painting God’s beautiful creation.
1:25 pm
This was just plain amazing! Congratulations!
2:59 pm
Hyatt, This “work” [your talent and creative genius] looks more like fun than work. We love to see the “work” in progress. This client certainly chose the right artist! (also glad you did not chose the red for the table cloth, makes one’s teeth hurt (“..”)
8:53 pm
It is really a great accomplishment Hyatt. Starting with the first idea for a convincing episode in their lives. Then solving the multiple problems of perspective in thousands of details to finally rendering the miracle of make believe by accurate strokes in a synthesis of a colored display of apparently simplified planes…I´m sure you had a lot of fun Hyatt. It has so many challenges that the pleasure derived from every successful step becomes addictive. Thanks for the well presented sequence. Question: Did you tape or take any pictures at the unveiling. Just the expression on peoples faces are a full reward worth saving.