Brenda J. Clark Gallery

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Grandpa Clark painting from Brenda J. Clark Gallery

Grandpa Clark
Acrylic on arches paper
10" x 11"
(NFS)

A bit of history from 1984: My grandfather. Granny was to the left in the original photo. Without her, the mass of free space to the left gave me the freedom to create the stance for my grandfather's portrait. Many small brush strokes and lots of under painting brought this painting together. I remember working on the final coat of red paint that I mixed and layered very methodically. The under painting enriches the top coat and peeks out from around the edges... pushing Grandpa a lit bit beyond realism. The tape was left on this piece, which many have been tempted to remove. I am surprised it has survived time.

If you have an interest in commissioning a portrait of a family member, a friend, pet, boat or cherished object(s) of significance, please send an email to clarkbb@msu.edu, or call the gallery at 231.271.2323.

Wally painting from Brenda J. Clark Gallery

Wally
Acrylic on arches paper
10 1/2" x 8 1/2"
(NFS)

A painting from 1986: Wally, a friend. The outer edge of color is part of the under painting that resurfaced when the masking tape was removed. I had attached it after beginning the painting in order to protect that glimpse of the under painting. This painting freezes his glimpse and contemplation in time.

Two Men, a Woman, a Dog, a Bird and a Truck painting from Brenda J. Clark Gallery

Two Men, a Woman, a Dog, a Bird and a Truck
Acrylic on arches paper
10 1/2" x 8 1/2"
(NFS)

An animated painting of my Grandma and Grandpa Montgomery—Floyd and Helen, along with Grandpa's twin brother—Lloyd, our dog—Bumper, and my dad's 1980's truck. Note the bird, added at my discretion, in Lloyd's shirt pocket.

The Murdock Boys—Nic, Andrew & Joshua painting from Brenda J. Clark Gallery

The Murdock Boys—Nic, Andrew & Joshua
Acrylic on arches paper
30" x 23"
(Commission 2009)

"I had never commissioned a painting before until I approached Brenda with the idea of a portrait of my three teenage sons,” said Kerry Murdock of Grand Junction, CO.

The occasion was a surprise Mother's Day and 25th anniversary gift for Kerry’s wife—Joy, the boys' mother.

“I found Brenda easy and fun to work with. During her work on the painting, she kept me posted continually as to its appearance, and she was very sensitive to ensure that I was satisfied with the portrait.”

“We do not live in Michigan, so Brenda had to complete the painting from my verbal descriptions of the three boys and from many different photos of them that I sent her. She did not actually see the boys in person until after the painting was complete.”

“I was more than satisfied. I loved it. In fact, it was amazing what she produced and how she nailed the personalities of the boys holding their string instruments. I love the abstract nature of the work, and I'm so glad that I commissioned Brenda to do it.”

“We gave the portrait to my wife on Mother's Day 2009, and she was overjoyed. We have it hanging in our dining room as a constant reminder of the boys. It will be there long after the boys have left home and it will always remind us of the special time when they were teenagers,” added Murdock.

The portrait,The Murdock Boys—Nic, Andrew & Joshua was completed in May, 2009. Framed by Johnston (Hubbies' Framing).

Paintings may not be reproduced without permission from the artist.