[Valerie Gudorf]

Thanks Enzie,

You know, I fretted about this piece alot. I worried about that bright red element within an otherwise gray composition. unlike a traditional portrait, I wanted this to be a "mood piece", making it less about the child himself, and more about childhood. The bright red boat was to work as symbolism. Sometimes I think it works, other times not. I agree with your concern about the boat distracting the eyes away from the subject of the drawing. I was hoping that the eyes would go from the face of the boy, to his boat and back. I guess it didn't work. {*sigh*}

You are right in ascertaining that the boat is smooth in texture compared to the rest of the drawing.