So I now have a new muse. In June of 2016 (yes, it is hard to believe that we are into a new year already) my daughter gave birth to my first grandchild, a boy, named Miles Adam Vera. He was born with a full head of black hair, and now at 6 months old still has all of that hair and then some! Of course I am prejudiced but I will say it anyways ~ Miles is the cutest grandson in the world!
Lately I have been working on a small oil on linen panel portrait of Miles. My daughter and I had taken him on a road trip in November to visit family in North Carolina. It was to be his trip of ‘firsts’. First long car ride, first time meeting family members and great grandparents, first trip to a zoo and his first carousel ride.
This portrait is based on a photo I took while were on the carousel. When it first started moving he looked towards me and had that look of ‘what is happening here?’ on his face. Within a few moments his expression changed to what one could surmise as his little brain saying ‘wheeeee!’
Lesson number one is that painting babies is harder than you think. Their skin is almost translucent and the value shifts are slight. I have begun this project with an attitude of play and am not putting any pressure on myself. I think we, as artists, need to do that from time to time.
After the short holiday break I am anxious to get back into the studio tomorrow morning to continue working on this little face.
Find something that inspires you and play! Happy New Year!
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