Gertrude

Gertrude, Lois' mother, is 95 years old, and still has all her wits

about her. She still lives at home, balances her checkbook, and

walked around on her own when I took this picture last year. She

sent me a wonderful thank you note later.

you can tell she is a lady with a character and a great personality. reminds me of my granny. beautiful!

Very good portrait, angle and great colors, Emmanuel.

 

Cheers.

 

Alberto

what an amazing noble lady. I like this photo very much. regards, mo

Very expressive portrait, Emmanuel.

absolutely beautiful.... focused, balanced, just a nice photo... well done 7/6

Whistlers Mother!

Yes. I was mildly amused nobody else has made that statement. Yes, I posed her with that in mind. But, there are remarkable differences as well. For one, Gertrude's hard jaw and rigid posture is remarkably different from Whistler's mother. She is no "old lady" tired of life, but has a hard, uncompromising look about her that belies her small stature and age. Lois, her daughter, told me that she was surprised I made her look "so strong", but, of course, I did no such thing! Gertrude is, well, Gertrude, and that's that.

I wanted to make "that statement" but too late!

This is a very well composed portrait.

She is lovely.

Beautiful photo!

(Thanks for your comment, best regards Ellen.)

Gertrude passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 1, 2007 at the young age of 96. Her daughter, Lois, my former landlady, called to tell me. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. Gertrude stayed strong to the end, but her heart simply gave out and she quietly left this world. Her passing represented the end of an era, as she was the last of fourteen children. May her soul rest in peace.

I am sorry you have lost a friend. This is a wonderful portrait that both you and her daughter will cherish.

Yes, they have a copy hanging in Lois's house. Oddly enough, Lois was amazed that this picture made Gertrude look "so strong". These are the sorts of pictures I like, ones that say something about the subject, pictures that go beyond a simple cheesy smile and reveals character.

Yeah, reminds me of a very famous Renaissance painting. Very good composition Enyinwa

Strong and dignified portrait full of character. The colors are intense and very appealing. Her face reflects a resilient will and her pose is relaxed and confident.

I never commented on this shot but it's an image of great dignity. Beautifully composed.

I too immediately thought of Whistler's Mother! I think she looks very well dressed and dignified; made even more so by the casual chair on which she sits and the wooden fence overflowing with green life. I love this photo; very well done Emmanuel! Thank you for sharing. :)

She does look well in her 95 th.

Fantastic how you exposed this picture.

Best wishes.

Definitely reminds me of the painting. Excellent!

Remarkably composed, with lovely colors, Emmanuel. (Especially the dark blue hue of Gertrude's dress, imo -- it sets off the wood (of the back of the chair) & Gertrude's white hair quite beautifully..) -- ( & It will not be a surprise to you that 'Whistler's Mother' came to my mind at first glance as well :-)

This is really a classic image. Love the pose, colors and subtle lighting. Thank you for posting this, I will have to try something like this with my mother. Nice work. FS

A masterful work!  Whistler's Mother came to mind immediately when I saw it and it's so interesting to read your comments comparing the two.  Very beautiful portrait

Gertrude is a very elegant, sophisticated lady! Superb presentation.

Emmanueal...  I join the long list of admirers.  A classic shot of an elegant lady... Mike

Very late I've found a remarkable photo!

Very well done Emmanuel - a classic image to be remembered.

 

Best, David