I always enjoy talking to people who call to inquire about getting a children portrait painting. Recently a man told me that there is something that distinguishes my portraits as being painted by me. He said that he had agreed with his wife. She commented that all my portraits “show realism but with a brightness to them and never anything stoic or forced.” I liked that. It rings true to me.
You Decide on this Children Portrait Painting
Here is a children portrait painting of four young children that you can judge for yourself. I painted it a while back and wanted to share it with you.
When you have four children to coordinate you depend a lot on the organization of the mother. Thanks goodness for mothers! These children were used to being on teams in school, knew how to follow directions and work toward a goal. All except for the youngest, they understood what was going on and they were somewhat relaxed.
We did a photoshoot so that I would have references to draw and look at as I painted. First we concentrated on capturing an overall pose of the four of them together. Each claimed their own position. As we did this, certain personality traits came to view that I knew would be a delight to portray. (You can see them in the finished painting.) Then we photographed their faces—separately, close up.
The older boy knew he was responsible to be the leader and he took charge when needed for the photographing. The girl was more interested in soccer than sitting for a picture, but she knew it wouldn’t take that long. She could relax for a few minutes and sit still. The boy on the right also could be out playing ball, but he could check out what this was all about right now.
The youngest was fidgety and cute and enjoyed playing with our cameras. He thought it essential to have his deck of cards that he could count on as a backup when bored.
Later as the parents were smiling and approving the pictures, his father laughed. He said, “There he is, that’s him—he’s got his pack of cards. That’s what he does.”
Now, Today
In the years since I have been so rewarded by seeing the children grow up through Christmas cards the family has sent me. They are their own persons for sure and almost grown but I have a piece of their youth forever too.
Do you have children? Wouldn’t you like to get their portraits painted? Just let me know. I will get it done!
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