Dad’s Portrait

One of the most special moments of my life occurred a couple of years ago, sitting in the passenger seat of my parents’ Toyota Kluger while my Dad drove us from Armidale to Mudgee. In a discussion about my dreams and passions and aspirations my Dad said three words that I will never forget: “you inspire me”. 

What an honour it is to grow up to inspire the man who has always inspired you.

As some of you may have seen on my Instagram, I am currently painting his portrait; a big, square, canvas oil painting, based on a photo my Mum took of him. Painting Dad has been funny. It’s easy, in a way, because I know his face so well- an older man’s version of my own. I know his scars and his sun spots and I’ve seen his hairline recede and his wrinkles form. However, I’ve had to accept the fact that one portrait can never fully capture a person’s spirit. 

No matter how well I paint him, you can’t see him dancing around the kitchen singing Celine Dion or volunteering at the soup kitchen. You can’t see him writing a poem or kissing my Mum goodbye as he leaves for work each morning. You can’t see him as a little kid, running off to the timber paddock or playing cricket with his brothers. 

You can, however, see him playing his harmonica. The invisible instrument, the sound that will always remind me of him, the best present his kids ever got him and his entry into the music world (a world I adore so much) as more than just a listener. 

The man who passed down to me his pretty eyes, his love for music, his love for love itself and (unfortunately) the Parker Nose. I can’t fit it all in this painting- his humour, his humility, his kindness-but I have been trying my best.

Dad and I inspire each other now. I just hope I can do him justice. 

xx Rose