Andre Rieu - Graeme Wilkinson Paints Carmen and Carla
Graeme Wilkinson Paints Carmen and Carla
We are sure you remember Graeme's portrait of André Rieu which he painted not too long ago. He has now painted Carmen Monarcha and Carla Maffioletti for us.
The portrait of Carmen was re-done to put a little more sparkle into her eyes. He would like your opinion of his work. Please let us know what you think of both of Graeme's portraits.
The exciting part is that you, the fans, get to decide who Graeme will paint next! Let us know what you think of the Carmen and Carla and list your choice of Graeme's next subject! Thanks much.
Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at Friday, March 12, 2010 3:46 PM 
Categories: Australia,Special Entry,Featured Fans
Tags: Andre Rieu
Categories: Australia,Special Entry,Featured Fans
Tags: Andre Rieu
beautiful xxx
Grame's the pictures of carmen and carla good and would you paint FRANKCO AND CORD. THEY ARE GREAT AND I THINK THEY WOULD LOVE THEIR PICTURE PAINTED BY YOU. AND I LOVED THE ONE ON ANDRE' RIEU. DO ANOTHER ONE FOR ME.
ELAINE BURCH
Again Graeme has excelled. What an incredible likeness to the real life, albeit younger, Carla. I'm not sure which of the 2 I like of Carmen. I think I'm more inclined to lean towards the the other, more dramatic one.
There is only ONE person he can paint next and surprise, surprise, it HAS to be the Italian Stallion.
Lyndall
Adelaide Sth Australia
Congratulation to the artist, Graeme. No doubt, the portraits very much resemble that of Carmen and Carla. However, the actual captured facial expression are so very different. Are these painted portraits an interpretation of what your personal perspective was when looking at each lady? Or perhaps based on a particular moment? Each picture positively appears to capture a descriptive, personality and character of each lady. Was this your goal?
What does Carmen and Carla think of these portraits? Like they say, a picture/portrait is worth 1000 unspoken words. Carmen's portrait appears to be capturing a more professional look while on stage during a performance pertaining to the song she was singing. Excellent. Carla's portrait is more personal capturing a very sweet innocent smile of a young school girl with an astonishment look on her face. What was the reason for the choice of depicting these portraits? In a reality check, in their personal life's, these young ladies both are very charming,fun and funny to be around. They both are very professional when on stage with talents that go beyond words without saying. My opinions are based on facts and personal contacts with each lady.
I think the next portrait should be that of Marusia.
To Graeme: continue to follow your dreams of an artist. Your paintings will be based on the vision that you capture at the moment. Several people can look at the same portrait and see something diferent. That is the beauty of painting through self-expression as told by the artist. My best wishes for your future as an artist. TCGB Love, Joan
many thanks Joan for taking the time to write this wonderful comment...I try to paint "emotion" I do not like to paint from a "posed" study nor do i like to copy from a photo...I hope i have captured something familiar of Carla and Carmens personality.
Graeme is absolute wonderful. Carmen and Carla looks perfect. I think a portrait from Susan Erens should be next. Graeme did you ever think about a portrait from the Andre Rieu together with his wife, sons and the twins? You are so good and when somebody knew what his doing, the job won't take so long.
Regards
Ellie
Graeme you did a very good job again, are you a trained artist, or just a nature talent????????
Ellie, Suzan Erens was his first picture, you should find it in the archives.
Thanks Ellie, I'm a hobby artist, i worked in the building trade for a career...now i'm free to "paint"... my piano teacher told me to try something else! i can't sing and i'm not good with words, so i guess this is it.
CONGRATULATIONS.
Carmem and Carla Pictures are VERY,VERY BEAUTIFUL
Carmen and Carla's pictures are so beautiful, but more beautiful are they in real life! My choice for the next one will be Mirusia! ♪♪
Lyndal Freeman. Your comment re Graeme`s painting of Carmen,you preferred the other one. I have not been aware of a second Carmen painting. I have seen those of Andre annd Susan. Where can I find this other painting? These are exceptional paintings
Hello Harry, The other portrait of Carmen is just about identical. He said he just wanted to put a little more sparkle into her eyes. Since they are identical we only had the first picture up for a day on the Guestbook. I can send it to you if you are interested in it. Thanks for posting.
Hi Harry
It was in one of the past articles posted on this site. If I can remember correctly, it was around Christmas time about the same time he did the one of Andre. You should be able to find it in the archives section of this site. Sally or Jeanine Ann may even be able to give you a more precise idea, as to where to find them.
I agree completely with you, Graeme is a most exceptional painter.
Hope you find the painting
Lyndall
Jeanine Ann, thank you for your reply. I would be interested in seeing the difference in the two offerings. I cannot understand how I could have missed seeing the original posting
Harry, you'll find it in "February 2010 Guestbook"...regards graeme wilkinson
Thank you Lyndall and Graeme for your information re Carmen paintings. I do prefer the original painting,as I can now see what bothered me about the second painting, but I couldn`t figure what it was. Definately looking forward to seeimg more evidence of Graeme`s talent.
Hi Harry, sorry I didn't post the first painting of Carmen when I referred to it earlier. Just curious, what is it about the first portrait that you like better? I prefer the second but both are beautiful. Thanks
To all the Irish out there in Andre land. Happy St Patrick's Day. Have a drop of the single malt Irish wiskey for me.
From the Irish side of myself
Lyndall
I think what I like about your portraits is the eyes. I think it must be something special to put life into the eyes. I do think you do have talent. I've always wished I could paint, it must be a very good "hobby", but you have to have the gift too. I do well to paint a wall, so I really admire anyone who has the talent to paint well. If you do not paint from a pose or a photo, do you have the image in your mind? Why do you use the dark background, does it bring out the focus on the face? I'm sorry about all the questions, just curious. I have read that every artist dips his brush into his own soul. I think that portraits, at least in my mind, must be the hardest thing to paint. To be able to get the hand to paint what the mind sees is a very special gift. As for who to paint next, I would leave that decision to you. You are the artist & I am trying to look through your eyes. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Yes Shirley, the artist sees the portrait well before any paint is on canvas but it is still a long process of quite intense concentration, checking,measuring, adjusting and making changes before it is finished...I use dark backgrounds so the focus is on the subject solely, i try not to complicate a painting with unnecessary information...thankyou for asking.
Jeanine Ann, what bothered me about the second Carmen painting was the white of the eye against the iris appeared to much contrast. This comment comes from someone whose wife will not let me inside the house with a paintbrush in my hand. I have the utmost respect for people like Graeme who can produce such work. If Graeme continues to provide paintings, perhaps they could be altogether under Graeme`s paintings