I had my portrait done. That doesn’t happen every day.
Not so much of a diary today. I normally reserve the half an hour or so before the Radio 4 PM news starts at 4.30 to scribble a few words but today I was waiting in the garden for a delivery.
A delivery of a painting that a friend had done for my birthday.
It’s actually not my birthday for another couple of months but the coronavirus has totally cocked up our common chronology so I don’t really think the official date has much relevance any more. I don’t do birthdays anyway.
I knew Liz was painting me a picture. She’s been painting for a while and apparently is selling stuff (I can put you in touch if you like her stuff – 15% commission, Liz?… ok, we can negotiate.) I didn’t know what she was painting though. I said I’d prefer to wait. A painting is a painting. A photo of a painting isn’t the same.
My sister Christine has been teasing me for a few days. She knew about the painting a long time before I did and had seen it (well, a photo) a day or two ago. I banned her from mentioning the painting in my presence. My virtual presence – we are respecting government distancing guidelines.
The painting turned up in a carrier bag around 4.15, delivered by Liz’s daughter, Lisa. Lovely to see her, even if it was over the back yard fence at a safe and suitable difference. Lisa said it was “quirky.” It would make me laugh. In a good way.
Clancy was hoping the painting would be a portrait. I don’t know why but she found the idea extremely funny. I didn’t see what possible amusement there was in my personal pictorial representation, though I thought it extremely unlikely anyone should bother. I’m not what you’d call photogenic.
But here you go. It is me. And quite a likeness. I’d recognise me anywhere. Though noticeably thinner and with an uncharacteristic suggestion of a smile. My only criticism is that I could have used more hair… I’m assuming you ran out of black paint, Liz?
The bookshelves are perfect; only someone who knows me so well would have included Victor Serge and 1649 (though I am a bit puzzled by Oslo… I may need to ask some questions about that.)
I just need to find a spot to hang it now. Maybe between my Temple Works posters?
That’s my neighbour…She’s even got me into the drawing bug, and has painted some lovely things for me, and for family members. Well done, Lizzy x
I like it a lot. It made me laugh, and it really is me (she knows me well!)