Northshore Magazine

ne Holiday it ide ar reare Le nostalgia and char. ell arod's iniature ortraits lend histor ce p a ime painters of the 1th century introduced a new idea in portrai- ture miniatures. Typically rendered in gouache, watercolor, or enamel, they were often used as a means of introduction. Whether commissioned by noblemen to entice potential suitors for their daughters tucked into sailors' pockets to keep sweet- hearts close while at sea or used to adorn jewelry boxes and snu cases—the tiny treasures served then as photos do today. One of the tradition's contemporary aficionados is Topsfield native elly Carmody. In her space at Mad Oyster tudios in omerville, Carmody pursues her unusual interest, which stems from a long-standing passion for oils, the human figure, and a New England aesthetic. A former antiues dealer, she has cultivated a taste for the beautifully old, which is clearly visible in her work. A long-time student of Classical Real- ism, Carmody once sought private work- shops to broaden her traditional education. Her path brought her to the studio of Nu- mael and hirley ulido. Of her time spent under their tutelage, she says, Numael pulled out of me my interest in shapes and ell ads . otts the tst colors...I latch on to shapes in a way other people find hard. This latching on has led to a masterful techniue. erendipity may have led the way to the instrumental teacher team, but concentrated drive lies at the root of her success. Over the years, Carmody's creative process has evolved to include taking Hse ainte he a he rra st as ell ad aeciates the th hes ldest hes s t des ets es. n act she has deted he caee t catin thei cellin esence thht e nland. a alas aae the ildins and e she sas the s hes in sich t the chain cttaes ae d ndel ecesses the ictiansthe all esent the t nit t da aint a little it hist. he aeeldased atist endes in atecls a ide ane dellins the ae teases cissined he es as tites t that tiehned lacehe. betsyroersdesin.com. nshoremag.com December 2012 to 1 photographs of clients in outfits of their choosing. Always up for a challenge, Carmody says, I like when people throw me a curveball, like hot pink. he then looks for a backdrop that will make the person pop. All of this is done in advance of her time spent painting. When speaking of her vision to cover walls of traditional East Coast homes with seemingly helter-skelter arrangements of her portraits, Carmody describes her work as a meaningful way to pay tribute to gen- erations of families she feels her paintings are a natural complement for classic New England décor. Though soft-spoken and reserved, elly Carmody states with an artist's conviction I just want to make good paintings that catch your eyemy whole heart and soul goes into making good paintings. It's that simple. initte.odosterstdios.org. —Kiley Jacques

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