© Els Vlieger Portrait of Isabelle and her great-grandfather
This portrait in the style of the 100 days project was commissioned by a lovely French lady, who wanted to include four generations of her paternal family. Later on she commissioned a second artwork with family members of her maternal family.
In this work Isabelle is the fierce little girl depicted. She is the same age as her mother in the photo in the top left. Next to her on the other book page is her great-grandfather to whom she feels closely related. In his time he was a famous gardener in Cambrai. He designed ‘le Papillon de Cambrai’, a giant butterfly formed by flowers in the Public Garden. You can still visit this today.
What’s special about the chosen photos is the similar pose of the little girl and her great-grandfather. These two related people from different times look so strikingly similar in their posture.
For the details in this artwork I referred to his profession as a gardener with gardening tools, wild flowers and a Victorian greenhouse. In Isabelle’s dress I incorporated butterflies as a referral to the gardener’s masterwork.
If you’re interested in having your family photos turned into these nostalgic and very personal keepsakes check out my shop. There are various formulas possible.
