Sally

POrtrait painting of Sally Bemister

Size: F10, 55cm × 46cm, 22” x 18” (est.)
Media: Brush, Oil paint on Canvas
Date: Completed January 12, 1975
Where: Painted at Fayence, France
Signature: “christine benson”
Currently: Bemister estate

Sally was a portrait of Sally Bemister, my mother’s niece. After hearing of her death from cancer, my mother painted it as gift for her Uncle Bertie. If we read the diaries we can see that she really struggled with the painting at first, I’m sure it was a very emotionally charged undertaking. Then after a four month break from the painting, she felt more confident about being able to finish it and was pleased with the results especially after getting a few more photographs of her.

Below you can see the very poor selection of small photographs my mother had to work with.

Diary Entries

January 24, 1974TRAGIC NEWS of Sally’s death on boxing from a rapid cancer. It just knocked me for six. Couldn’t stop crying. Poor Unc[le]. Am afraid he will die from grief.
April 29, 1974To work at 9:15 But got all knotted. Charcoaled in Sally’s portrait Took it out in PM.
April 30, 19743.5hr ‘Sally’ Have discovered the knots are because of the painting so far can’t get the likeness.
May 1, 19743hrs ‘Sally’ Painted eyes AM. Took one out PM. Having a really hard time with it. But must get it.
May 2, 1974No work today going too badly. John Farrow wrote that I’ve got “Both”, in composition and a sense of communication between viewer & painting. But he can’t help.
May 3, 1974H. RAIN too dark for work.
May 4, 19743 hrs ‘Sally’ Still v. difficult & not like her.
May 6, 1974Tried unsuccessfully on Sally’s portrait. Now decided to postpone. 2hrs ‘Nymphs II‘ Top figure O.K.
October 9, 19742 hrs on ‘Sally’  Think I can do it now.
October 10, 19744 hrs on ‘Sally’ It’s coming slowly but have to wear glasses because of small photos.
October 11, 19743 hrs ‘Sally’ Took Polaroid & went all tingly at likeness. Posted it to them [Uncle Bertie & Alda]
October 12, 19744hrs ‘Sally’ alterations, hair 7 neck.
October 14, 19743hrs ‘Sally’ background. Blurred effect of sun on grass & blue skies
October 16, 19742hrs ‘Sally’ Made a mess of the blouse.
October 17, 1974Alda says painting has a look of Sally but isn’t her. Sent more photos – better.
October 28, 19742hrs ‘Sally’ Changed  eyes, nose. Still tired & untogether (30hrs)
November 20, 1974News, the Bemisters love the portrait of Sally ‘Terribly Grateful’ Am pleased
January 10, 19754.5 hours on Sally’s blouse
January 11, 19755hrs ‘Sally’ raised bust & virtually re-painted blouse. Finished hair 7 background. Good work at last.
January 12, 19755hrs ‘Sally’ Correction of nose, eyes. Putting in flower design. FINISHED in 43 hrs. Am really pleased with Sally’s blouse. Contemplated ages on how to place flower design & took out existing ones on sleeves. Decided they were necessary for gay atmosphere. It really is a ‘living portrait’. Bliss with no visitors. Was nice to offload all the personality conflicts and tensions of the last few weeks and get her, Margareta’s, calm opinions. I must learn from her the strength to limit my visitors to close friends, and not keep inviting all & sundry new people to my haven.

Source Photographs

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Anthony

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