12 x 12 inches: Oil on Panel. 2009 A Day At the Beach by Lesley Humphrey
This is generally the type of thing I do, when I want to feel better, but can’t find the chocolate. It’s from an old photo of my three children getting ready for a donkey ride, but of course, it’s about much more than that. It’s an icon for my highest loves, etched and written throughout. I gave it to my son, Chris, for his 19th birthday recently.
What is a ‘mac lady’ and how do you hunt them? You pose your Mum, or other family member, close to a ‘macker’ (typical British lady in mackintosh or other coat), and "click". I give them points out of ten for how fab they are… This one is a good 9. Not only is she cloaked in a coat and hat, but she also has the required sensible shoes, shopping back, etc. The only way you can achieve a ‘10′ is if you have a short-legged dog, of questionable origins, on a lead.
Yes, that is my Mum back on her feet, with her little pal Ella. Whilst posing for this, she said "Oh Lesley, y’don’t want a picture of me do you?" … all blushy and coy (for her) I said.. "No, but the lady in red is just fabulous!
I’m so relieved Mum is doing better now. I spent several weeks in the UK with her and visiting my art friends, and my daughter at her new flat in London. (She’s having a remarkable time at Sotheby’s Art Institute, and sharing her discoveries with me. How delicious!)