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Missing Child Portrait 33 by `johnpaulthornton:iconjohnpaulthornton:

Categories Traditional Art > Paintings > Portraits

©2008-2009 `johnpaulthornton
:iconjohnpaulthornton:

Artist's Comments

Portrait of a Missing Boy. Inspired by the image printed on a disposable mailer.
Painted with real oil paint and a palette knife.

I met this child's parents. He is very special.

Why?

Because he was the first child to ever be featured on a "Have You Seen Me?" mailer. The mailer program still exists.

His disappearance ultimately led to the recovery of many other children.

Can I tell you, I have great conflicts about these paintings, because I would never wish to add to the energy of victim-hood that exists in the world.

Instead, my wish is for you to see these faces as images of hope, empathy, and compassion.

...Because these are the things that can heal us all.


John Paul

Daily Deviation

Given 2009-09-27

Out of =johnpaulthornton's growing collection on deviantART featuring his esteemed project depicting missing children in America, this particular piece always stood out most prominently to me, how so clear a cognition, and perhaps even a powerful sense of conviction, can be extracted from a minuscule photograph, and expanded to a scale both great and passionate. Missing Child Portrait 33 graces the cover of John Paul's book "Art and Courage, Stories to Inspire the Artist-Warrior Within. (Featured by ^snowmask)

Comments


love 4 4 joy 0 0 wow 5 5 mad 0 0 sad 2 2 fear 0 0 neutral 0 0
:iconsphilr:
`sphilr Sep 8, 2008, 9:06:37 PM
There's conflict in looking at these, too, because the context is just so overwhelmingly sad, and you do have a huge talent for conveying the persona behind the features; this one in particular is exceptionally beautiful from the colors chosen to the lyrical rendering style and everything in between...

--
:eager:
:iconlilfairie:
=LilFairie Sep 8, 2008, 9:11:47 PM
wow, tis is jaw dropping good!

--
~KiwisUnite
:icontara-erin:
~Tara-Erin Sep 8, 2008, 9:15:44 PM
Thank you for your comments on this painting. I was talking about your work with someone at work today, and his response was that your subject matter seemed depressing. I tried to explain to him that he'd have to see the work to understand, but that your work conveys love and hope. The words you give above are wonderful.
:iconrazzberry-chan:
~Razzberry-chan Sep 8, 2008, 9:18:46 PM
The look in his expression conveys passion, spirit, and hope all at once.. it's very uplifting, and very moving.

I feel that the boy's eyes are the most striking part of this piece. The underlying tones of red are very effective, too.

I especially adore this one, JP.

--
[link] I'll see you on the dark side of the moon. :damphyr:
:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 8, 2008, 9:22:43 PM
Tara,

I am happy that you read my words, and that you appreciate the painting as well.

In friendship,

John Paul

--
Paint the Truth.
:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 8, 2008, 9:24:35 PM
Thank you, Jessica.

JP

--
Paint the Truth.
:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 8, 2008, 9:28:00 PM
Your words are always like boosts of inspiration!

Thank you so much!

John Paul

--
Paint the Truth.
:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 8, 2008, 9:38:16 PM
Well, Razz-girl,

If anyone knows color, it's you!

You continue to be a most sensitive and kind soul here on dA. I always look forward to your supportive and sincere comments.

Thank you.


Your pal from the mainland,
JP

--
Paint the Truth.
:icontinakeriksen:
~tinakeriksen Sep 8, 2008, 9:46:16 PM
This took my breathe away for a while! - So beautifull eyes and colours and yet it makes me sad - but it is alright to get such a mix of feelings and your words are so wise I think - thanks for showing us!
:iconjohnpaulthornton:
`johnpaulthornton Sep 8, 2008, 9:58:46 PM
Thank you my friend!

John Paul

--
Paint the Truth.
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September 8, 2008
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