Ilona Royce Smithkin: Portraits and Parsons!

Captured by Xenia Veryano

What a treat it was to have the spirited, fabulous, and inspiring 93 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin visit my portrait drawing class critique at Parsons! 

My relationship with Ilona began with these blind contour portraits, so when Kate Teale gave the portrait assignment in our Perception Drawing class this semester, I felt that choosing Ilona was only a proper progression.  

Captured by Xenia Veryano

However, I did not think that just one traditional portrait would adequately describe my colorful, lively, and wonderful friend. So, I sketched many different compositions, trying to get across her expressive nature.

Soon after I began my first painting of her...   

Her first finished portrait! 

The day of the crit finally came!  I walked with Ilona to Parsons.  Here she told me that she calls Pansies 'Mother-in-laws' because they each have different faces/expressions! 

I have to agree :) 

We arrived at the crit!

Some of the class' work...

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Below is Ilona in acrylic paint on the top and left, colored pencil on the right and in black thread and glue on the bottom.

Crit discussion...

My lovely teacher Kate Teale and Ilona!

See their linked names to view their stunning art.

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Preforming :) 

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Thank you for coming Ilona Royce Smithkin!
Captured by Xenia Veryano

Ilona enjoyed her visit immensely, and the class loved meeting her :) what a fun crit it was!

Enjoy the inspiring individuals in your life, 

Margo Isadora

See past posts with Ilona here, here, & here!