Graduation Portrait Commission

This portrait of Noor was commissioned by her parents as a graduation gift following the completion of her graduate studies. By that time, Marvin Mattelson had known Noor for many years, having taught her in his continuing education classes for approximately five years.

Marvin still remembers Noor’s first day in class. Like many young artists coming out of contemporary art programs, she had been encouraged to think about art primarily as a vehicle for personal expression. Yet it was immediately apparent that she possessed an unusual level of curiosity and openness. Marvin could see from the very beginning that she was encountering an entirely different way of thinking about art—one rooted not in fashion or self-conscious originality, but in observation, understanding, and the underlying principles that have guided great painters for centuries.

Over the years, Noor developed into an extraordinarily gifted realist painter. Her growth as an artist remains one of the most remarkable transformations Marvin has witnessed in a student, making this portrait especially meaningful on a personal level.

Because of the trust that had developed between them, Noor gave Marvin unusual freedom in determining the mood, composition, and character of the portrait. Rather than directing every aspect of the painting, she allowed him to rely upon his own experience and feelings about her personality.

Together they decided that Noor should wear a sari in recognition of her Indian heritage. She brought several different saris to the studio, but Marvin was immediately drawn to this one. The rich purple fabric, accented by subtle green embroidery, created beautiful color relationships with her complexion. To enhance those relationships further, Marvin chose a neutral green background, allowing the purple to glow while simultaneously reinforcing the warmth and luminosity of the flesh tones.

Just as important as the color decisions was the pose itself. Noor is by nature thoughtful and introspective rather than outgoing and theatrical. Marvin wanted the portrait to reflect that quality. After exploring a variety of possibilities, they settled upon the simple gesture of Noor gently touching her hair while looking downward in quiet reflection. The pose captured exactly what Marvin wanted to express: not simply how Noor looked, but something of the depth, intelligence, and contemplative nature that made her such a memorable student and individual.

For Marvin, this portrait represents far more than a likeness. It celebrates years of artistic growth, mutual respect, and the journey of a young artist who ultimately fulfilled the promise that was visible from the very first day she walked into his classroom.