Oil Portrait Advice: Is there a best age to portrait children?

Looking at those portraits brings such joy. The details, from their beautiful, sparkling eyes to the tiny lines on their fingers and toes, makes me feel as though I’m revisiting the past.

The world renown painter Jessica Rockwell was really able to capture that cute couple who recently celebrated their 60th Wedding anniversary with a lifetime painting!

I love seeing the three of them hanging side by side. I almost feel as though my children, at that age, are in the room with me. It’s magical!

Norm surprised me with it today. It’s fantastic. It’s just absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much. I can’t even believe it. I am stunned!

When I talk to her on the phone and look over at her portrait I feel she is really with me. Having her portrait kind of makes up a little for not having her here with me every day.

It has made such a presence in our living room. Every time I go through the room I see her at that time. She has changed already. You know, Taylor’s is the best one of your portraits.

Jessica’s work on my granddaughter’s portrait is extraordinary. She captured every feature and expression exactly. Not only is her work fabulous, but she is one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. She worked closely with me to obtain the end result, which is something I have been trying to capture since my granddaughter was a baby. I will always cherish the piece of art that she had completed and would highly recommend Jessica to anyone looking for exceptional work and professionalism. Th… Read more

I don’t even know what to say. That’s exactly what we wanted. I just can’t stop looking at it. I could just hold her little hand. I keep walking at different angles to take it all in.

Oh, my gosh. I’m going to cry. It definitely looks like her. There is a spirituality in the painting. You do that all the time. I look at it and I get peace.

They look very dramatic in my house. People who’ve seen them just can’t believe how beautiful they are.

You capture a ‘feeling’ in me that is more than the expression on my face; the painting conveys an “inner peace” that I certainly feel and that I am happy you could capture.

Oh, sweet, sweet. Look at those expressive eyes. I love it—there is nothing not to love about it. It’s like he’s sitting right there on the fence with me.

The portrait seemed amazing when we first got it, but now, 2 years later, it is even more enjoyable because she has changed so. You completely captured her.

I look at it every day and it always puts a smile on my face and makes me happy inside. It shows the casual life style that suits us and brings out our personalities. It’s endearing.

I had no idea it was going to come out this good. I don’t mean that badly—your work is beautiful. But seeing this of my own children, I just can’t get over how how good it is!

When I saw your paintings originally I could appreciate their beauty on their own, but it was not until I saw my own children painted by you that I fully recognized your talent.

My family was in awe when they saw it. Some thought it was a photograph because it is so true to life. Their characters shine through their eyes.

The detail in your work from the gleam in Dale’s eyes to the plaid in his shirt will ever serve as a wonderful, lasting reminder of this important time in his life.

I feel it is the ultimate gift to my girls…to see themselves as the beautiful children they were and to capture their innocence. …to be passed down through the generations.

I think their children and grandchildren will look at these paintings with great admiration and want the same for themselves.

I look into their eyes and I feel as if I can look right into their young hearts. When you realize it is an investment in art for future generations, you want the best.

I like the little bit of ‘Sparkle’ you put in her eyes in the oil portrait because that is her!!!!! She looks BEAUTIFUL!!! We love it!!

It was such a joy to work with you—so easy right from the beginning. The final result is simply breathtaking. Our family and friends are amazed at the likeness.

I feel like he could just step right out of the picture. So different, much more real than having a photograph. It’s awesome having portraits of all my children.

My husband’s portrait is so lifelike that I feel that he could reach out and touch me. Even apart from the physical, you captured his personality, his essence—I can’t take my eyes off it!

When the painting was unveiled, you got a standing ovation. It was the crowning point of the convention—it was done at the very end. It was the perfect thing.

You were wonderful to deal with. In the photo session you knew how to get her relaxed. You went the extra mile to create something really incredible.

It becomes a family heirloom that is priceless. As we see our children grow, it makes me happy to know that this time period will be remembered forever.

I brought Michelle in to see her portrait and she put her finger to her cheek. I asked her, ‘What do you think of it?’ She said, ‘I’m pretty!

The portrait captures her so well, from her bright, shining eyes right down to the way she is holding her precious little hands. We both had tears in our eyes. It’s perfect!

Grant gave the ultimate compliment for a 17-year-old: ’Can I have that for my room?’ He likes the way he looked in it.