by Matt Philleo | Apr 13, 2016 | Encouraging Thoughts, New Artwork
New life is amazing.
I know it sounds cliche, but it seems just like yesterday when my wife and I were at the hospital experiencing the birth of our third child, Adrielle. There were some complications at the onset–she was turned around the wrong way in the birth canal, causing my wife extreme pain, and signaling a possibility of protracted labor.
We prayed.
Soon enough our baby flipped around the right way and the delivery happened fairly quickly after that. What a relief!
She didn’t breathe right away though. My other two children cried immediately after birth, but Adrielle was quiet, and the midwives hurried her over to the table to get her going.
That was possibly the longest minute of our lives.
When she did finally cry, we realized again the near-miracle of this birth. Our daughter was over 11 pounds and 24 inches long! She wasn’t obese or anything, but just came out looking like a toddler! The nurses and midwives were amazed that my wife gave birth to this large, healthy girl, all natural.
Sometimes we men feel like useless bystanders during the birthing process.
You realize your wife is doing all the work and you want to do something to help. But the most you can do is just offer a few over-used remarks like “You’re doing great, honey. Don’t give up!” all the time knowing that one part of your wife would like to rip your voice box out of your neck and stomp it flat, and yet taking some comfort in knowing that the other part is glad you’re there, even if you’re actually accomplishing nothing to alleviate her pain. (I did find something useful I could do this time around, though. Noticing how hot my wife’s face was, I used the hospital data folder as a fan. She said it felt good.)
Once the baby is born and the pain has subsided, your wife is back to herself again.
I think Jesus said it best: “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” (John 16:21)
Seeing a new life come into the world is a terrifying, beautiful process.
The waiting, the anticipation, the frustration, the anxiousness, the joy of witnessing a child enter the world is a transaction that reminds you of the gift of life itself. Especially when a birth has complications, you realize that the doorway through which life emerges is enshrouded by the possibility of death–and that makes you appreciate the miracle of life all the more.
Commissioned portrait painting of Eric H’s family, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas by artist Matt Philleo
I just finished a 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas portrait painting that illustrates what I think is the best part of the birthing process: the time when your family and friends visit and share in the joy and wonder of your beautiful new child–so delicate, so incredibly made, so perfect. This was a portrait commissioned by a man I met recently while doing portrait sketches at the Bushel & A Peck Apple Orchard (Chippewa Falls, WI) the last couple years. He saw my portfolio and decided to have a painting done that he would give as a gift for his wife. Good going, husband!
Interestingly, after he had already commissioned me, his wife mentioned that the photo they had snapped at the hospital would be a great picture to have blown up.
Photo to Portrait: Original client photo used for reference in creating portrait
He didn’t let the cat out of the bag.
16 x 20 acrylic on canvas portrait painting of Eric H’s family, photo by client
Later on, when he gave the painting to her, she just loved it. Here is what she wrote about it on Facebook:
“Eric had a PAINTING done of my favorite photo for my birthday. I cannot believe how much this painting looks identical to the picture. (I was so sad this photo was taken on an iPhone and couldn’t be enlarged to a photo print). I couldn’t be more in love with this…it will be cherished forever! heart emoticon What absolute talent by a local artist, Matt Philleo.” — at Fine Art by Matt Philleo.
I love the expression and interaction of these children, holding their new baby brother. It was fun to paint the different textures–the ridges in the baby’s blanket, the hair, the softness of the pillows and sheets. I really enjoyed doing this painting and creating a beautiful portrait from a photo.
Here are a couple of in progress shots.
16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas Portrait of Eric H’s family, sketch, by Matt Philleo
16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas Portrait of Eric H’s family, in progress, by Matt Philleo
16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas Portrait of Eric H’s family, almost done, by Matt Philleo
And finally, a close-up of the baby.
Detail of portrait
If you have any memories like this that you would like to capture in a special way, with a unique painting, just let me know. I would love to be a part of the process! Meanwhile, remember every moment of life. They are valuable and precious, and our little children have a way of reminding us of that.
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by Matt Philleo | Jan 18, 2016 | How to Paint Instruction, My Art in Progress
For quite a while, I’ve wanted to do some instructional videos on painting and drawing. Here is my very first video! This is very off the cuff, and impromptu.
Basically, I’m just talking and showing you a behind the scenes peek as I work in my studio on a current painting commission, which is in progress, about 70% done.
In the future, I plan on doing more instructional videos, courses and live courses at my new studio at Artisan Forge Studios in Eau Claire. I don’t drink anymore, so who knows, maybe I’ll do a “Paint and Dip” event where you can create your own painting while enjoying a nice side of chips and homemade guacamole! ( l love guac and making it fresh from scratch!)
This video does cut off abruptly–which I do apologize for–but let me know me know what you think!
(Click the link below to see this video on my YouTube channel)
How to Paint Highlights in Acrylic
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by Matt Philleo | Dec 9, 2015 | Personal Inspiring Stories
When I was 14, I had my first art commission, back in 1991. My mom’s friend asked me to draw a pencil portrait montage of one of her close friends. That started the ball rolling, and I did a few commissioned portraits while yet in high school.
During high school, my art teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in the arts. I took that advice to heart and attended Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in 1996. I did well, averaging a 3.8 GPA, but with the extremely high tuition cost I left after a year.
Since that time, I worked in several jobs over the years–dishwashing, ad designing, retail sales, vacuum repair, recycling–but I was always hesitant to do art full time.
It was just something that I thought would “happen” down the road when things lined up perfectly, or I got that mysterious “breakthrough.”
Then, in 2008, I was 31 years old, traveling on the road away from home, days on end, working at a fairly high-paying but stressful training/manager job. I was gone so much that my baby son didn’t know even who I was when I returned.
On a Sunday afternoon, my mother in law asked me this question: “Matt, why are you continuing in this dead-end job? What is it do you think you’re meant to do?”
My first commissioned drawing, 11 x 14, pencil on paper, 1991.
I said, “I think I’m supposed to be doing art full time.”
She replied pointedly, “Well, why aren’t you doing it then?”
“Because I don’t know if my bills will get paid.”
“What?! And God can’t meet your needs? He can’t take care of you?”
That was like a dagger straight to my heart. I knew God was speaking to me.
I prayed and seriously considered giving my two weeks notice.
And then, out of the blue, my boss flew up from the corporate headquarters near Cleveland to meet with me. I didn’t know what the meeting would be about. I thought of taking this occasion to give my notice, but a friend who had prayed with me advised me to not be hasty, and just let God lead.
We got a place at the restaurant and sat down.
My boss told me, “Matt, we like everything you’ve done for the company. You’ve hired and trained the service technicians we’ve asked you to and done a great job. But, with the recession, we’ve had to make several cuts in the company, and had to let some people go. Unfortunately, you will be one of them.”
I said, “That’s all right, John. God’s going to take care of me.”
He was amazed. “I didn’t expect you would take this that well. It sure takes a load off my chest.”
Commissioned wedding portrait, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas, copyright 2015, by portrait artist Matt Philleo
And so I had the sign that I should step out in faith and do art full time.
I had a family: a 1 1/2 year old and another baby on the way. But although I was a bit scared, I knew that now was the time.
I announced this decision to people at my church, that I was now a full-time artist. Not everyone thought it was a wise idea, but immediately, I received several portrait commissions from people there. God really blessed my decision and I had confirmation right away that I was on the right path.
I’d like to say everything’s been a bed of roses since then, but I’ve had many tests of faith.
I will share more about that in my next post.
How about you?
Are you currently in a job right now that you feel is not your calling? (I understand, sometimes it’s necessary to be there for a while.)
Or are you in a job you love?
What was your journey to get to where you are now?
Or the journey you would like to take to get to where you want to be?
Share Your Thoughts!
If you have any comments or questions about this post, please leave me your feedback below! I will personally get back to you. Can you help me spread the word? Please share this post with your family and friends by using the social media links on the left side or below. Thank you!
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