The Portrait Painter

Unknowing, to delight or depress
his client with brush strokes light 
upon the canvas, vanity to address,
bone structure, curvatures, highlight
qualities exposed by light and shade,
portrait artist sees imperfections 
also the perfections that's on parade
exact likeness or slight deceptions,
studying sitter, performing mind games
creating facial expressions required,
to acquire the mood to fulfil their aims
of joy, happiness, contentment, inspired,
Perfection being a virtual impossibility 
not knowing how his client perceive
themselves visually, the unpredictability 
to create art work that will not deceive,
he knows he has the skills, experience 
required to paint the image presented
before him with poise and reverence,
believing his client won't be disappointed
by his creation dedicated to their likeness 
Imprinted on canvas in oils for all time,
viewed and commented on, assessed 
by appreciative eyes making it sublime,
results will be finished by end of the day
hopefully his client receives it happily 
Rewarding readily with his days pay
Enabling him to feed his loving family.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Stebbings Avatar
December 6, 2016 at 2:25 AM
Great piece, Roy. I tried this subject once - still a work in progress. +7 // Barry
Pett Avatar
December 6, 2016 at 7:06 AM
Thanks Barry, your poetry certainly is not work in progress it paints a wonderful picture.
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