22 months

[Cindy Procious]

Thank you so much for the glimpse into your thought processes.

One more question if you'll indulge me... which art book{s} do you find most inspirational with regards to children's/babies portrait ideas?

Thanks!

[Marina Dieul]

Thank you, Christy !
I don't think we've already "met", so welcome to the Forum!

Oh la la! Cindy, what insatiable curiosity!
Well, I look a little of everything, mostly paintings from 16th to 18th centuries( lot of italian). I also have a little book from Tashen "angels" ( only paintings representing angels from different times) My mother offered it to me few years ago, and I didn't really care at this time, but finally it launched my series of cherub.
I have to say that I have a special way to operate in every day life : for exemple, if I read a cake recipe, before testing and tasting, I immediately think : hum, this looks good... But it would be better if I add this, and it would certainly be a good idea to replace this with that...
And I'm afraid I'm doing the same thing with paintings. Sometimes, I just want to recreate an old painting which I like a lot, but I change the subject, the composition, the colors...I also like series: one painting bringing another, because when I finish a successful painting, I immediately think: well, it wasn't bad, but if I change this and that maybe it could be even more interresting.So I begin another one...

[Michele Rushworth]

Merveilleux! What a wonderful painting.

I'd have to say this is one of the best portraits I've ever seen.

[Cindy Procious]

Originally Posted by Marina Dieul

Oh la la! Cindy, what insatiable curiosity!

Ha - well, I admit, it's not out of just curiosity. In July, I am traveling to get references for a portrait of a 4 year old girl, and I'd dearly love to come up with something unique. She will be my youngest sitter to date.

[Marina Dieul]

Merci beaucoup Michele!
I read in a magazine, when asked " what is success?", an artist answered : " The approval of fellow painters."
I feel very successful !

Cindy,
if you want to develop a unique concept, it shouldn't be too difficult with a 4 years old, which can cooperate better than a baby. But you have to work before and to be very concentrated on what you want. A good idea would be to know few things about her before ( what she looks like, is she shy or not...) It will help you visualise what you can do.
Look at the PAINTINGS you like ( try to forget all the images and photos we are submeged everyday, you are a painter, not a photographer)
Good luck with this commission!

[Grethe Angen]

Well, Marina we all know you did`nt do it all with a magic wand Hard work has brought you to success, good for you.

[Cindy Procious]

Originally Posted by Marina Dieul

Good luck with this commission!

Thank you.