Portraits & Commissions
When watching Christel paint, her almost photographic detail and mastery of light and hues, the music I hear sounds like this,– Matt Baker (press on arrow to hear)
Portraits & Commissions
Portraits & Commissions
Portrait painting is probably my favorite art form.
When working on a portrait, the ultimate challenge is to capture the spirit of the person I am painting.
To capture the essence of my subject I try to reach their spiritual self – to sense their very character, their confidence, even their sense of humor. In a way, it is like making a new best friend. It is both immensely challenging and intimate.
To me it is the eyes…. a certain expression or a gesture… that defines how the viewer will emotionally relate to the finished work of art.
“When watching Christel paint, her almost photographic detail and mastery of light and hues, the music I hear sounds like this,”– Matt Baker (press on arrow to hear)
“Ibsen explains how she is waiting for that moment, when the child is completely forgetting his or her surroundings, and then capturing the image she will subsequently turn into a painting. “I am interested in discovering, who that child really is.” Applying this process, her portraits reach far beyond the depiction of “adorable.” Ibsen manages to poetically compose characters, by revealing personality traits with her brush on canvas.”
– Maiello, April 2015
Sisters
To capture the essence of my subject I try to reach their spiritual seff - to sense their very character, their confidence, even their sense of humor. In a way, it is like making a new best friend. It is both immensely challenging and intimate.
Lily
I had only been painting for a few years when I met Lily. It was a stormy day with enormous waves crashing onto the beach. Most of the kids sought refuge in the safety of the pool. But not Lily.
Pippi
Sometimes a commission becomes a family affair A client contacted me about creating a special painting of a beloved granddaughter for Grandpa's upcoming 65th birthday.
Family Portraits
In my early forties I lost 96% of my hearing and was thus obliged to stop working and sell my film production company. Fortunately, I was introduced my a friend to Decorative Arts and soon I was busy painting murals, furniture and objects.
Cousins
For these four adorable cousins, who like most Americans live far apart, Cayman is a paradise uniting them during spring vacations. I have been following this family for years and have watched these little girls grow into lovely young adults.
Aurora & Lilah
It all starts with listening. What do the parents, grandparents want to capture. A special vacation - a mood- a sibling relationship. Each commission serves a different purpose and yet they all seek to cherish and eternalize a special moment in their family life.
Star
Sometimes family vacations can turn into a a whole string of paintings which in turn became my "Star Series".
Le Monstre
A brother - a sister and a dachshund became a year long challenge abecause the commission kept growing in size and scope.