Chariots of Fire by Thea Cable

I recognized him immediately Thea. It's all as it should be: flowing, lively, spontaneous. In short, delicious. Such paintings are not made for nit-picking, but for glancing and cheering. I think we could all profitably spend a few hours a day producing pieces like this rather than sweat, groan and regret over our easels. Rather than time limits, I've been considering setting myself 'stroke limits' - say max. 25. But do I have the courage (and the honesty) to stick to the pact? Any takers?

Thank you so much Kim for such a thought provoking comment - always great to receive as they get you thinking. It has been a bit of an eye opener that I can actually speed up and still produce a human face! As for the 25 strokes - wow - I might have a go. Charles Reid said that you should do hair in no more than three strokes (and he can do it!). That would leave 22 for the face. Really thinking about this now - watch this space.

ahhhh....

You describe a happy occasion which you've converted in to a happy painting! Having read Kim's '25 strokes' challenge, I had to do it didn't I?..LOL. Will post in a minute and probably delete it a minute later!

More than anything you've captured the moment and either the joy of taking part or the welcome of grandma's arms. Either way, a lovely little sketch with a nod to Charles Reid?

Lovely lovely happy painting Thea! I don't see anything wrong with it, it's perfect!

Thank you so much Jo, Louise, Philip (and you might be right about the nod to CR!) and Satu for your generous comments. It is lovely to receive feedback especially when it is a nice as all of yours.

What a joyous painting Thea!

Great stuff, Thea...animation, triumph...I hope...pleasure and a lightness of touch!

Another great portrait Thea, he looks so happy and pleased with himself.

Thank you very much Christine, Roger and Val - so nice of you to stop by and comment. Sometimes you just see a photo which fascinates you and you just have to have a go at it and this one was definitely one of those. I have to work from photos with the little grandchildren as I can't get them to sit still long enough (short of putting them in a straight jacket and nailing their feet to the floor!).

Sorry Thea - nearly missed this - what a joyful painting - a moment well captured

Lovely work Thea, full of joy and life. I watched an acrylic demo the other evening, straight in with the brush, it had a similar effect as this. Glad you have some discipline with your grandchildren but I find gaffer tape is a little more humane that nailing down!

Thank you very much Michael and Stephen for your encouraging comments. You made me laugh, Stephen, at the thought of gaffer tape - must try it! Actually, all my grandchildren are very kind to me and don't normally play me up. The two youngest are lively and loud (the only granddaughter is VERY loud!) but the two older ones, as teenagers, are far too cool now to be disruptive. Age does seem to sort of lot of issues out.

It's got to be a Thea, lovely work.

I haven't been on POL for a few days and... nearly missed this beauty, Thea. Stunning!!! So full of joy and enthousiasm. This is a fantastic portrait, one of your bests.

Your portraits are fantastic Thea

Another beautiful picture, love the joy on his face.

Beautifully done, Thea! You've captured the movement, Noah's joyous expression and the immediacy of the moment.

Great portrait,good to see you using such a dynamic snap shot of the race.Fabriano is good to use, I have just bought a batch for the fist time.