A Smile While Sleeping

A Smile While Sleeping
Oil on panel, 6x6
not for sale

This little darling is the daughter of a friend who grew up in my son Tyler's class, and whose mother is a dear friend of mine.  She was born two months early, and today we celebrated her with a shower of gifts. Wanting to do something special, I searched through baby photos to find just the right one with such a sweet expression.  There is just somehing about babies that tugs at my heartstrings!  Baby Bryley's skin is so beautiful - and was a joy to capture in oils.  Wishing the whole family a lifetime of joy with this sweetheart!  Painting number 448 in as many days.

Newest Work in Progress

New Work in Progress
Graphite on Bristol

Today I am posting a commission that is in progress.  This is one of my very favorite subjects to draw - mother and baby.  I absolutely love the photo reference - so sweet!  When I start the drawing process, I first sketch out the composition. When I am happy with this, I start with the eyes, followed by noses, and then the lips.  Once I have brought the facial features up to the same level of finish, I move outward from there.  As I work, I will dot back and forth from details, adding depth and shadow while trying to leave the lights.  Here, I have only begun the hair, lightly shading in where needed as a background for the work to follow.  The blanket is hardly begun - there is a lot left to add.  I still have overall polish to do on both faces, and neck - although the fingers are getting close.  I was thinking I would start with a painting today, but maybe I'll get back to work on this - it is calling my name!