Five paintings

These are my final paintings for class done in acrylic on wood panels. We had to paint a series of five paintings that could be as a group or stand on their own. I ended up painting (non literal) portraits of my family in the form of books. 

In ancient times, instead of Gods some families would pray to their Ancestors instead of Gods (or in place of the Gods). This is still practiced today in some countries. Usually there would be busts or portraits made of the diseased family member that the living family would keep with them and pray to for good fortune. 

Instead of portraits I painted mini scenes inside each book that reminded me of the person. On the front of the book I stenciled the first initial of my family members' names. I painted portraits of my cousin, my aunt, my brother, my mom and my father.     

This is my father's portrait. He sometimes reminds me of a swarm of bees; he's a hard worker but when angered... well... let's just say bees are still an appropriate comparison. 

This is my mother, she's been through some hard times in her life and she's finally starting to get over them. I painted a dandelion for her because it's a superstition to be able to make a wish on the seeds and I'm always wishing for her to keep getting better. 

My cousin, even though she's only eight is very strong. She has been through so much, and still manages to help out her mom and brighten people's days. So for her I painted a sunflower. 

My aunt is a very important person in my life and she has always managed to weather the hellish storm she has been through. 

This last painting is for my brother. He's distant and cold to nearly everyone and really doesn't care about anyone other than his self.