Portrait of Kaitie

An old painting that I'd decided to revisit. It's bigger than life-size, and while I like the design, I think it's got too many drawing issues to fix. I'll likely abandon it and try again...

Full size portrait of Kaitie Marie - WIP

A detail from one of the things that are currently on the easel... This one is life-sized, 24" x 48" Oil on panel.

Back to the drawing board

There is a charming little girl in my life, who stole a piece of my heart when she was a little more than 5 years old. Bright, precocious, charming, goofy, sweet, considerate, and altogether devilish. Just adorable.

She is one of my daughter's bff's (I think there are three now, but, I could be wrong...) and one day last winter, she asked if I would make a drawing of her. Big brown eyes, long black lashes, a goofy smile, all surrounded by the glossiest golden brown curls... How could I resist?

We negotiated a price on delivery, and we kept well within her 9-year-old's budget. I wanted to be sure of a happy customer. I think I succeeded...

She gave the drawing to her Dad today. His praise was more than I could have asked for... It's a special feeling when something you've created can bring happiness to another person.

I haven't asked if it's ok to post her picture here, so I won't show it just yet... but, I can show you another one I've started of my own precious girl... This one is an oil on linen panel, about 12" x 12", painted alla prima (in one sitting) and I think I'm going to name it "Pensive"

Montage of Kaitie

This started out as a single portrait of Kaitie, a study for a painting I wanted to do, and quickly grew into a study of the many expressions of this child in a serious mood.

This is 18" x 24" Graphite and Chalk on toned paper.

A portrait of my Kaitie... sorry about the glare, but, the color's fairly true to her... I see lots of things I need to work on still, but, it's coming along...

Drew

This is Andrew... he was 12 years old battling with a life-threatening cancer at the time of this photo.

His spirit never dimmed, and watching him deal with this battle was truly inspiring. If he can maintain that spirit into adulthood - what a man he will become!

He showed more dignity, grace, and courage than many adults in similar circumstances. I'm proud to know him.

Edit: 1/27/08: I'm happy to say that he's now 3 years cancer "free" and holding his own.

Timmy

Timmy is my nephew... a silly, rambunctious, sweet little boy whose red head and brilliant smile just catches your heart whenever you see him. I couldn't catch the red hair, but, I think I caught the bright smile.

Go 'way!!

"Go 'way...!"

Graphite and Chalk on toned paper, 12" x 18"

The expression on this child's face is only too familiar... "Lea'me'lone!!"

Cain't...! she's mine! :D

This drawing was only my second successful attempt at realism... a milemarker for the first steps in a very long journey...

My first successful portrait.