Portrait of My Mom

Drawing Methods
I was inspired way back in January by a post in Jennifer Lawson’s blog to try doing a sketch of my Mom using the upside-down method. The photo of her that I used was taken at college around 1945.

In the upside down method, both the reference photo and the sketch itself is upside down to trick your brain to look at shapes and shadows, rather than being distracted by preconceived notions of eyes, nose and ears.  I found this approach helpful but I could tell something was a little off after laying out the drawing…actually several things…so my next step was to use the grid method to fine tune. I learned this method in a portraiture class I took from Myrna Wacknov.  (I was in way over my head in this class but did manage to absorb a few things.)  I used a clear plastic sheet (a cut open sheet cover) to put over my photo, then drew a grid on it.  I put corresponding grid marks around the edge of my drawing. I was able to use it to check the relationships of the shapes and make some small adjustments which made a big difference in the outcome of my drawing. After my original inspiration from Jennifer’s blog, it took me quite awhile to get started on this drawing, then I got too busy to finish it until recently.  I really wasn’t planning on posting it for Mother’s Day but here we are in May and it’s done so why not?

My Tribute
I found my mind wandering back to many precious memories of her as I drew. Growing up, I remember her happy excitement when friends would stop by to visit–she loved offering hospitality and would whip up something delicious out of whatever she had handy. Not only was she an excellent cook but was a talented seamstress as well. She thoroughly enjoyed being on the Timberline Lodge restoration team in the 1970’s, when she appliqued native wildflower designs on hand woven fabric for curtains, pillows and bedspreads for guest rooms in the lodge. 

I also remember how much her heart went out to people who were in difficult circumstances.  She was the sort of person folks went to when they were in trouble or suffering because she always had time to listen.  She could give sound advice when it was asked for, and had a discreet tongue, so was the perfect confidante.  She wasn’t all seriousness though–she loved to laugh and kid around.  When Dad “retired”, they headed off to Baja Mexico where they spent 18 years volunteering in an orphanage.  They were grandma and grandpa to many kids during that time.  She worked in the sewing room with other volunteers, making quilts, pajamas, curtains, and wedding dresses for the girls when they grew up. I think this was the most rewarding period of their lives.  She was devoted to her family and to the Lord, and found great joy in serving others.  I loved and admired her very much and she continues to inspire me every day.  She passed away in 2007 at 80 years old and was lovely inside and out even into her old age.