My very, very first portrait
 

I was going for expression on this short study of Mom. This was my neck and ears period. I was sure of my destiny!

(Just kidding! Actually, it is my grandaughter's very first portrait. She loves to draw faces! She takes it very seriously. This is of her grandmother, my wife. Isn't it wonderful?)

Is it just the violet that warms my heart
 

I think there is something else that helps me recognize this as a portrait of a beloved.

Analyzing this deeply, I see a slight upcurve of the mouth, indicating a person she does see as friendly. Then there's the fact that the eyes are drawn vertically, giving the feeling of openness and thus suggesting someone close to her.

All in all, I think we have a budding portrait artist. :)

It's adorable Lon and I can tell you're a proud grandpa! How old is she?

All essentials are in place -- she can see, she can sense aromas, she smiles, she has presence.

Isn't it funny, that we call it a "stage", when kids "forget" the forehead and put the eyes up on top of the face; we have a visiting artist teach them about how the eyes are "really" halfway down the head . . . and yet as students of art, it takes us months or years to understand foreshortening, whereas kids have *always* seen these giant adults in a foreshortened perspective. Whose eyes wouldn't be on the top of their heads to someone viewing them from their knees? Kids probably have the best information, which is lost once we begin to "teach" them.

And, hey! there's a motif for even a traditional portrait artist! Portraits of adults (relative strangers or relatives or strange relatives) as seen from a toddler's perspective. Steal this idea if you must, but please send checks for a cut of the action when the money rolls in. (Please round up to the nearest dollar.)

Mariah, she just turned 4 years OLD.
 

You guys are so great! I so appreciate this place of friendship, appreciation and encouragement, depth and humor.