Christine’s mum and dad

When Christine Valentini gave a photo of this painting to Joy she couldn’t even remember that she painted it, so its date is unknown but many years ago. When I think about progress I think it was likely an early piece and doesn’t demonstrate as fully Joy’s skill with modelling contrast  that came later and created more three dimensional volumes from the architecture of the face. The eyes though have that familiar twinkle  and Christine loves it because it is her  in-laws, Antonio and Restituta Valentini. Joy reckoned that her dad looked like a bit of a devil but I think that was likely kept in a good spot by the determined discipline shown in her mums demeanor. One would have to ask Christine, but the apparent story is there in the portraits.