Sometimes if we are lucky in life, certain people come along that we find inspirational. And if we are doubly lucky, we get to know them and even call them friends, or even better than friends. This happened to me many years ago when my daughter, Holly, married Craig, a man of Chinese heritage. His family has a fascinating history, and I have a very special affection for his stepmother, Agnes, whose authentic Chinese name is Mok Lan. For me, meeting her was a most auspicious occasion.
Family Photos Saved from the Shoe Box
Mok Lan was born in Shanghai, an only child of two very lovely and smart parents who strongly believed in the benefits of education, so they sent her to school in England where she later became a nurse.
After Mok Lan’s father died, she and her mother immigrated to the United States where Mok Lan met my son-in-law’s father. They married and she instantly became the step mother to three beautiful children.
While I was recently sorting through some old family albums with my daughter Holly, she found these pictures of Mok Lan, that were all taken in China in the late 1940s when she was about six. They were all in pretty bad shape but with a little photo-shopping effort, I was able to bring them back to life.
Mok Lan Becomes Inspiration for a Portrait in Oil
This photo was of particular interest to me and I just could not resist the chance to paint a portrait of this charming little girl.
Because the photograph is in black and white, it was all guesswork trying to imagine the color of the sweater, skin tones, and hair ribbons. Also, because the lighting is very flat, it was quite a chore envisioning the shadow shapes of the nose, eyes, and chin; everywhere a rounded surface would create a light side, a halftone, and a shadow side.
The Finished Portrait
Somehow I saw the sweater as being red because it is a significant Chinese color, and pink suited the ribbons just perfectly. After the painting was finished, I put it in a frame and gave it to Mok Lan to hang in her home. She told me she remembered the day the photograph was taken and the instructions from the photographer. “Put your hands up by your cheeks like this.”
When she happily told me her sweater was actually red and her ribbons pink, I realized not only had I guessed correctly, but also that she was surprised and delighted to receive this unexpected gift.
As I said, sometimes we get doubly lucky.
Nice
Annie
Thanks Annie!
This is a lovely story – to go with a lovely painting, Margret! I have shared it with my students as an excellent example of newsletter to blog post.
I am so glad you liked my story, and pleased that you shared it with your students. I will be sure to tell Mok Lan others have enjoyed reading about her and liked her painting.
Ahhh!!! That is such a beautiful story and you’ve captured her perfectly! I’m sure she and her descendants will treasure this painting for generations to come! What a lovely gift from you Margret!
Cheers, Diane Kruger
Thank you Diane. I am so fortunate to have Mok Lan in my life. She is a delight! I suppose someday my grandson will have the painting.
The is so lovely, the painting and the story. Mok Lan has a big heart as do you. The chiaroscuro painting style was unfamiliar to me. What a beautiful example you’ve given. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Mickey. I am so pleased you enjoyed the story. The chiaroscuro technique is centuries old and one of the most enduring. Caravaggio invented it but the Dutch stole it fair and square. If you are interested, read about Rembrandt too. He was the true master of the technique.
This is a wonderful story. How delightful for you to have this woman in your life. I’m certain she and the family will appreciate the portrait from now on. You do portraiture very well. The drawing you did of me and graciously gave to me is one I treasure. Thank you again.
Thank you Penny. I remember the drawing of you from so many years ago. We had such good times with our circle of artist friends. I treasure all of those memories.