The Portrait Artist... Poem by Denis Martindale

I've studied art for many years... I think I know what's what...
There's a way to disguise big ears, a pimple or a spot...
A well-lit background sets the scene... a fancy frame can, too...
A smile upon a face serene... or mean or stern or blue...
A noble chin, just one, no more... a sideward pose works well...
Left side or right to hide some flaw... or there'll be merry hell...
Some chit-chat helps to pass the time... a joke along the way...
Some compliments could prove sublime... if truthful, they're O.K.
Take photos first and then paint fast... leave details to the end...
And pretty soon, an hour's passed... and I've made a new friend...
And when the picture looks complete... with nothing more to add...
My word, that feeling's oh so sweet... no wonder that I'm glad...
My painting leaves my studio... the payment has been made...
I sigh to see each painting go... wherever it's displayed...
But I know that I did my best... that's all a man can do...
And I thank God I've been so blessed... among the chosen few...


Denis Martindale August 2019.