What is 50?  Fifty can be a face—a face that tells a story, a life that’s half a century long.  Here’s a recent portrait I painted—one that marks the 50-milestone.

 

Portraiture is a very personal process (for artist as much—and even more so—than sitter).  You get to know the subject a little better—come to read between the lines (no pun intended), see where their truth might lie then stress what can show them in best light.  

Portraiture is magical. It’s not a photograph. Interpretation and revelation are meaningful. Those who are able to view carefully pick up energies—recognize limitations, wonders, and a whole lot more.  It’s a terrific feeling to be able to present someone else’s best face to the world, especially on canvas.

 

Juxtapositions are interesting… 

Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to Heath Ledger at the end of her show, Wednesday January 23 08.  This was piggybacked onto the joviality of her not-to-be-forgotten 50th birthday celebrations.  The gearshift, I felt, was awkward. I am a huge fan of Ellen, and think she’s very good at getting her fans and other celebrities involved.  I was, however, a little surprised with the extended birthday hoopla.  First there was her own 18-day countdown.  Then others, like the TV.com Community added to the hype with additional tribute pages.  And, of course, there were "surprises" from other well-knowns, like Justin Timberlake, episode-after-episode…  

We do feel better about ourselves when others are there to celebrate milestones with us. That’s clear.  Even those who protest they don’t want a party might be relieved and delighted when one is made for them.  But, what about all those others reaching similar milestone days that don’t have Ellen’s networking capacity or publicity operation? How many of them might be home alone for birthdays—not in celebratory mood, or able to feel quite as good about themselves?  

A quick Google search on the subject of 50th birthdays and Ellen’s led to an on-line contest, "Help Ellen Degeneres Celebrate her 50th Birthday."  The grand prize winner was getting a VIP trip to Los Angeles to help Ellen celebrate, by attending the filming of her show.  Again, more about and for Ellen. Ellen really is fabulous, and she does an abundance of nice things for others. However, sometimes, there’s a point at which (perceived) vanity can become insanity.  Instead of another offering for Ellen, could there not have been an ideal opportunity here for the Ellen team to help create awareness that not everyone has her current good fortune to be out there and loved as much as she is? (Maybe there was, maybe I missed it?) 

Also, let’s not forget that even those who are out there and loved, like Heath Ledger (was), might have other difficulties (be in need of different types of support). Ellen did have her own challenging days 10 years back. Though it’s good not to dwell on transitional periods, it’s always nice to remember, when things are going better for you, that others might not be quite as advantaged—or happy.  A little attention can go a long way.  A lot of attention can go too far, even with those we admire.