Every portrait has a story. Let me begin by telling you this one…
In 1976, I was a senior in high school when I finished my first portrait oil painting. The canvas size is 2 feet by 4 feet and the frame is natural rugged wood which enhances the overall size of the painting.
I can’t even tell you why I painted this portrait. Other than that, Mr. Gilbert told me it was time to try my hand at painting a portrait. When your art instructor tells you to paint, then you proceed. I guess Mr. Gilbert thought I was up for the challenge. It certainly was one because I have never successfully painted a portrait again.
For many decades this portrait hung in my parents’ home. It held a place of honor on the wall of the family den. It sat there for many years witnessing all the events of the past. Upon the death of my parents, my brother inherited their home, and it still hung in the same place on the same wall.
Many years later, my brother gave the portrait to my oldest daughter and son-in-law for their home. The portrait continued to travel with them to different locations until they decided to move back home to Northern Colorado.
Soon after, they returned the portrait to me. Today, my portrait hangs on the wall of my office. I enjoy its beauty every day. It is so majestic! I look at the portrait’s distinguished gaze and think what a journey! What a witness to my family’s history!
The portrait often reminds me of my father. Not culturally, but rather metaphorically.
The grandiose nature of its stature. The ornate clothing that bears witness to its hierarchical standing. The stern observation in its eyes with a glimpse of compassion. The wisdom in its wrinkles. These are many similarities to my father.
My father was a firm man who had a hard life. He built nothing into something. He was a man with flaws and demons, but one thing I always admired about him was that he had empathy for others; always giving to anyone in their time of need. So, the quote on the portrait has significant meaning:
‘Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.’
-Saint Francis de Sales
In essence, Saint Francis de Sales believed that no matter what your state in life is; you can embrace goodness.
Since its creation, the portrait has held up quite nicely. The frame needed to be repainted due to the wood deterioration. I re-oiled the canvas with linseed oil to bring back its luster, but all in all it is in great condition.
And in 2026, I get to celebrate this portrait’s 50th birthday! What a beautiful legacy!
So that is a portrait story!
Always,
Cheryl Matsumoto