class of 1927!

Lovely impression of your Mum's Class of '27. Sorry you didn't get anywhere in the competition, but then I do find some of the competition decisions on this site a bit baffling to say the least. If it's any consolation, I entered as well without success (not that I was expecting any, lol!). I love your painting for it's energy and immediacy and for the fact that you thought outside the box in interpreting the photo. It is a winner in my book.

There is something almost abstract about this which really appeals to me.

Stunning watercolour Louise, so many children , love the folded arms on the front row!

I agree with Michael, that was my first thought when I saw the thumb nail. I think it's the anonymity of the faces that gives it an abstract feel. Whatever it is I like it.

Thank you Thea, Michael, Ros and Val. Actually, in a way it was rather a sad little photo. Some had smiling little faces but a couple looked quite sad. They were obviously in their best clothes as the class photo must have been an event in their lives before everyone had cameras. The lad on the left even had his scout uniform on and looks rather proud of it in the photo. As for the folded arms on the front row, I can imagine their teacher telling them sternly to sit up straight, arms folded!

It's interesting how a little colour can change what must have been quite a drab scene into something more vibrant and modern looking. Perhaps things were not quite as drab as we think in those days, just the sepia or B and W images we have?

Such fun, not overworked, smile-provoking!

Good Louise, this must have taken a bit longer than your usual.

Thank you Stephen, Kim and Carole. Stephen, we imagine that everyone went round in brown coloured clothes. Perhaps they were a little drab in the areas of Manchester which was a dirty, foggy place in those industrial days, but I'll bet that they put on their best, clean clothes for photographs. I couldn't resist brightening up the scene! Kim I found myself almost chuckling as I painted and Carole, not much longer..lol

This is stunning work, Louise! Beautifully done!

Thank you Seok!

Great work Louise

Not sure how I missed this one! Didn't even know about the competition, so I must go and check who won. Love the abstract feel and colourful clothes, a winner in my book for it's originality!

Lovely painting Louise! What became of them all in that photo and to think how much the world has changed since those times.

Thank you Petra, Debs and Satu.. Satu, I know, I felt the same way about these children who'd be in their 90's now. My Mum on the front row, actually passed away recently, a week before her 95th birthday which made the photo more poignant for me. I put her picture on here where it will stay. She'd be annoyed probably because my portrayal of her wasn't more flattering!

Like this a lot.It is interesting seeing all the subtle colours and the faces.I personally prefer yours to the ones which were chosen.Same goes for the painting lamb competition.I remember yours being fresh and exciting.

Ah, thanks David, I agree..(rather flattered as well that you actually remember those lambs..LOL)