Patrick
 

Finished this one over the holidays....it nearly painted itself, and behaved from the beginning of laying down the paint. The client is very pleased, as am I--for a change.

We took him to a local park and shot maybe 250-300 photos, in a number of setups. This occurred I believe in the first ten frames. He was really cooperative for a five-year-old, but I could tell fairly early he was losing interest. So there you go....with kids you have to get it while you can.

Tom, this is lovely. I particularly appreciate the pinky on his left hand. The feet are marvelous as well.

Im just about to start a commission of a 5-year-old boy myself. It sounds as if yours cooperated for the photos better than mine did!

This is great, Tom! I love the handling of the paint, the pose, the lighting.

What a mischievous smile! I bet he was a "little stinker".

It seems like the best shots seem to be the ones taken at first - at least, that's the case frequently. With the exception of those little guys who think to smile means to "say cheese".

Beautiful job, Tom. Ditto to what Kimberly has said. Beautiful pose, lovely setting - it all has a Bouguereau kind of feel to it, a certain tranquillity....Of course the client is pleased - they are very lucky to have landed you for this commission.

How large is this one?

Thanks, y'all. It's 36" x 24".

Kim, the pinky thing just happened...

That's lovely Tom.

But you chose to paint it! Tom, this portrait is so appealing. You caught a wonderful expression in the first few minutes. I really admire your color and value control, not only in the skin tones, but everywhere. The setting is so well-painted and integrated. You really handled this commission in a masterful way.

Alex

Tom, this is wonderful! I always learn so much from looking at your paintings, especially the fresh outdoor ones that you do. You managed to get the right touch of mischief and playfulness here without getting insipid. I love the backlit glow in the ears!

Alexandra--

I appreciate this so much from someone of your caliber...


Linda--

Thanks so much. I didn't go for mischief, but in handing him the stick to give him something to do, I murmured to him that if he'd let me take his picture, he could use that "magic stick" to make his sister disappear later. (The mother and sister were off-camera, stage right.) This didn't thrill the mom, but the idea intrigued him enough that he probably gave me three more good frames than I might have gotten. So there's some of that in there. Desperate measures and all....


Thanks again, everyone!-TE

Tom,

Lovely painting, great value massing! I think you have really conveyed a feeling for the atmosphere in light and shadow.

It's always a pleasure to see your work - can you post some close-ups as well?

Tom, this is delightful!

Jean

Tom,

This is really nice! A feast of delicious colors, and a relaxed informal pose elevated in status by the elegant garden setting; what more could a client want? This will be another heirloom that will be fought over.

Congratulations,

Garth

Thanks, all! As requested....

Just beautiful Tom! I really like the way you've captured his mischievous smile. And what great feet! :)

Another excellent painting, Tom! Beautiful background--wouldn't happen to be Bicentennial Gardens would it? I would love to see a detail of the feet.

take care,

Renee

Renee--

Yes, it's the Bicentennial Gardens. They've got great walls, architecture, etc. to pose against. Will post feet when I get a chance.

Hope you're well--T

Very nice work Tom! I did a couple of figurative paintings set up from a park here in Maryland that reminds me so much of this scene. The old stones look so similar.