We are nearing the end of national smile month, the UKs largest national campaign to promote visits to the dentist, cutting down on sugary foods and regular brushing routines to help keep our pearly whites in good health!
Although there are certainly no teeth on show, there is no grin perhaps more infamous than that of the Mona Lisa, with her elusive ‘smile’ causing a stir amongst the world of art for centuries thanks to the genius creativity of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Here we have picked out some portraits we have on display on our online art gallery that feature a similar subtle smirk, to mark the end of national smile month!
Enigmatic Smile – Peter Dadswell
Now we wonder what this lady is up to! The combination of expression in her eyes and pursed lips suggest that there is more going on inside her head than what may at first be apparent! This cool, calm and collected study of a woman is an oil painting, as part of a series of similar paintings by artist Peter Dadswell.
Michelle – Peter Dadswell
‘Michelle’ is another portrait by Dadswell, yet with the addition of a name it is immediately shrouded in less mystery than ‘Enigmatic Smile’. Showing more of the entire figure and with less of a dramatic zoom in, this painting has a softer feel to it. One for the music fans, this painting features an original, unknown Spice Girl, who left the popular girl group before they became famous! We think fellow member Victoria Beckham would also be a good contender for Dadswells next portrait, with her notoriously coy smile putting the Mona Lisa to shame!
Anthea – Raffaella Bertolini
As the Greek Goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare and more, ‘Anthea’ exudes as much power as is shown in this dramatic piece. If we had that much to be responsible for we probably wouldn’t be beaming either, yet her look in this pencil and ink artwork makes you fully trust this powerful Idol as her knowing expression gazes down at you.
Nun – Judyta Pilarczyk
With the bold use of red highlighting the mouth on this otherwise monochrome piece, ‘Nun’ is a hauntingly striking oil painted portrait. Painted as part of a project about women and sexuality, the facial features in this painting is the main focus here, with the modest outfit hiding any other form of expression.
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