The Young Musician
Monica Batiste
The Young Musician [detail] 2024
Portrait of Solomon Batiste
Oil on canvas
100 x 70 cm
About the Artwork
As I watched my grandson Solomon playing his ukulele, I thought about the time it takes musicians to perfect their craft, and how artists persevere against all odds to express themselves in a myriad of ways.
In this portrait, Solomon is playing his ukulele as the family dog runs around and around. In the background is his fishing rod and the misty morning of the peninsula we live on.
Through this work, I am honouring a boy, his music, and his dog.
About the Artist
Monica Batiste is a professional artist based in Redcliffe, Queensland, who specialises in figurative portraits using oils. Her style has a traditional flavour with a contemporary feel. Monica has studied with some of Australia’s best artists in Sydney and Brisbane, and has been shortlisted for several art awards, participated in many art exhibitions, and has paintings in private collections. She facilitates life drawing and painting classes from her home-based studio.