A Muse

Comments

Wonderful portrait Michael and interesting description which makes sense to me.

Superb, that look is very powerful indeed and made more so by your clever words.

You’re a breath of fresh air Michael. Had a similar sort of catholic education and suffered greatly through rebelliousness. Love how you’ve managed to make her face look both beatific and evil. Extremely clever Michael and most entertaining.

You put into words and images a vocabulary that goes beyond the perimeters Michael. I didn’t come to see the light and truth until a few years after escaping the grasp....but got there in the end! 😂 I think Carole has summed up your excellent Portrait....both sides of the coin in that expression.

Also had a similar education Michael ( first few years) then a proper education! By gum it sticks though! Hard to disregard took a long while..... On the painting you have done a great job with that ‘beatific’ smile.

Beautiful portrait, Michael.

Nice work Michael.

Thank you all very much for your kind encouragement.

The image of Sister Mary Agnes and comments makes me feel very fortunate that she was not part of my childhood. Nice art Michael. And without the history, you have captured more than a likeness.

Hang on Studio Wall
16/05/2021
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Memory of Sister Mary Agnes, a Sister of Mercy who taught me until I was 11 and often reminded me, ‘Your guardian angel is always on your shoulder and sees and hears everything you say and do’. ‘Oh dear’, I thought as I locked the toilet door. Much later, as I became properly educated, I realised the institution of the church was intimately bound up with social control and surveillance. The Clergy were once my controllers but now they’re my muse. Oil on mount board.

About the Artist
Michael Mcmanus

I was born in 1946. In the 1960s and part of the 70s I was an airman in the Royal Navy, Fleet Air Arm. I joined Durham Constabulary in 1971. In 1999 I retired from policing and began teaching sociology and criminology at Durham University with emphasis on policing and researching crime. I am drawn…

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