Once upon a time ... and ... once in a place in the known and unknown Universe ... inherent together in Space and Time ... I had my portrait begun. The year was 1981 ("as the Nazarenes understand and tally the turning of the years").
I sat for the very gifted artist Natalie D'Arbeloff. You can visit her blog here.
Who broached the suggestion? I intuit it was Natalie. Though, human memory is frail and creative. In 1981 I lived in Hampstead; at an address on Willow Road.
I sat. I had never seen a painter at work before. Natalie set up - the canvas looked huge. In fact it was - 4X5 feet. That is a lot of me!. I sat very still. Natalie set to with brushes and paint. And, of course, I can see her moving and watching, and not the brush on the canvas.
At a pause I looked. The talent to paint is such a gift! I sat a small number of times. Maybe twice ... and perhaps it was three times. The portrait progressed. And then there was disruption. Natalie left ... the painting was unfinished. I presumed the painting lost. And then ... a couple of years ago, December 2009, I reached out to Natalie - through this marvellous invention, The Internet, and found her ... alive ... and well ... and creating, creating, creating. (She is so, so gifted!)
She emailed me back. She had photos of the unfinished portrait. But ... sadly (for both of us) ... this magical portrait had been painted over. And then this morning (November 1st 2012) I receive an email from Natalie. She has found the portrait. The FINISHED portrait. And below is the story ...
natalie, you may very well not remember me. it was in simon meyerson's place by the Heath. for the sittings i wore all green - green trousers, green shirt, green sweater draped over the shoulders. i believe ... (I was into green at the time). this would be c. 1982-3-ish.
these times seemed a little bit crazy for everyone around that time, place & person. and i don't suppose you ever finished it. i loved it VERY much. i thought it a wonderful piece of work.
i think about it and you ... oh ... once/twice most years :) it was the only time i ever had my portrait painted ...
Blessings, rennie walker
Rennie! How amazing!
Of course I remember painting your portrait in Simon's big room downstairs at Willow Road, wearing green, Lotus-positioned on cushions, the windows behind you. I have a photo of the painting, and you next to it, somewhere - I'll find it and email it to you, I promise. I'm ashamed to say that I never finished the portrait, and I can't remember why not? Even more ashamed that when I ran out of canvas some years later, I....um.... painted over it. AAAAAAAARGH!
However,if you're ever in London for a while, give me a call and I could start (and finish) an updated version. I've just had a quick browse of your beautiful website and will go back to it later - you seem to be happy and creatively productive - bravo! I guess you found me via the miraculous internet? Are you in California?
If you have the time and inclination, have a virtual stroll through the many rooms of my online home (links below). I became computer-addicted about seven years ago and my digital self seems to have taken on a life of its own. This has its benefits and challenges but also drawbacks, and I need to do more hands-on-canvas work.
I'm very glad you wrote to me and hope we'll keep in touch. Will send you the photo very soon.
All good wishes, Natalie
rennie, a quick note: I've blogged about your portrait and posted the photos too and linked to your sites - I hope that's okay with you? If not, I can remove any or all of it. Sorry, I should have asked first!
Happy to know you too. Natalie
Hi Rennie, I was looking for something inside a cupboard in my studio today and, lo and behold, inside a big container I haven't opened in years, what did I find? The actual canvas of the portrait of Rennie, painted in 1981 at Willow Road! And it's completely finished.
As you know, I thought I had painted over it and that it was forever lost. But it's alive and well and looking terrific. I'm attaching a photo I snapped of it tonight, standing on a table above it, because it's huge: 4' wide X 5' high.
I'm so pleased to have found it because it is really a good painting, one of the best portraits I've ever done. Would you be interested in buying it? It could be shipped in a heavy cardboard tube as the painting can be rolled up. It's on highest quality canvas.
Sending you warmest wishes. Love, Natalie
natalie!
this is the most amazing story! as a story teller myself i am knocked out by this true one! what a find. you are a treasure!
yes i would totallyTotally love to buy it. but you would likely get more for it if you sold it on the "market" - because i agree it is a wonderful piece of execution - colors, composition and all. i also don't know what a price is since i have never bought a portrait. let me know. it is likely out of my range ... and i will talk with kathy (my beloved and spouse). anyway let's see ...
btw i love one of the landscapes - the one with the hills sliding downwards to the right. you are so gifted and articulate.
all best to you, rennie
Rennie, thanks for posting this. I too am marvelling at this surprising twist of fate! Obviously your portrait was longing to be found and is breathing a sigh of relief at finally being let out of solitary confinement.
ReplyDeleteNatalie
you speak like a poet and storyteller ... which is what you are also ... :)
ReplyDeletelove and smiles back.