From Marilyn Monroe to Maggie Smith as Countess Grantham

[L Skylar Brown]

A couple of my most recent portraits. Marilyn Monroe (on her 91st BD. and Maggie Smith as Countess Grantham from Downton Abbey. Exact opposites in the way I had to achieve a young woman's complexion, and then a dowager's. Both AR5. Oils. 2 layers. (The Room, and View out the castle window are pieces I had previously done.
(I have discovered over time that if I wished the layers to appear of-a-piece, I needed to blur the very smallest of edges in each layer.)

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[DarkOwnt]

Well done!

The Countess Grantham comes alive with all her endearing wit. Her essence is perfectly captured.

[L Skylar Brown]

DarkOwnt - Thanks so much. I just love Maggie Smith, and this character is one of her very best.

[DarkOwnt]

So.. I was wondering. I've always felt that Marilyn had a unique feminine, irresistible sexual allure, a distinctive understated and at once overpowering seductive aura she used to captivate millions of men.
What are your thoughts on Marilyn and your rendering of her?

[L Skylar Brown]

I have taken some time to ruminate over your question. Marilyn was special. Not just for her looks, but for that very Sexual persona. I have painted her many times over the years. (I even stole my uncle's calendar (of her) from his garage. I let my cousin take the blame...)

[DarkOwnt]

ha She was so very unique indeed.

[sabena]

Hi Skylar very good work:)

[sabena]

Hi Skylar good work I like the second:)

[L Skylar Brown]

Thank you, Sabena

[D Akey]

Powerful ladies with different strengths. Nice paintings.

[Catmandolin]

Hi, I meant to come look at these. I am grateful to you that you put these two side by side. You would think they are opposites and maybe so but as actors who worked a serious craft they were the same. Miss Monroe studied at the Actors Studio and was very serious about her craft---unfortunately, many, including her studio handlers, were not serious about her. Joshua Logan's Bus Stop was to me Marilyn Monroe as the actress she was meant to be and for you to place her next to the great Maggie Smith speaks volumes to me.

I have never seen Downtown Abbey--perhaps I should.

You painted them like you love them both--there is great care and gentleness. I have never seen your work before. I am honored.

[L Skylar Brown]

DA - Thanks, my friend!

[L Skylar Brown]

Cat - Thank you so very much! I have been "Painting" with AR since 2010. I love it, and rarely use traditional media anymore.
You are right with your observations - Both are Favorites of mine. I never met MM, but had a crush on her from the age of 12. I did meet Maggie in L.A. when she was making "Jean Brody", and have been a fan ever since.

[pat1940]

Love the ladies Skylar, exceptional paintings, I also love Maggie Smith, such a wonderful actress

[L Skylar Brown]

Thank you so much, Pat!