David,

You show the magic of just being.

You obviously master the skills, but seem to have painted this glowing portrait without any other purpose than showing the look of it.

I think that it fulfill the purpose of art itself.

Allan

David, I can only echo the others.....it's beautiful. I know nothing about pastels, but I know beauty when I see it. Thanks. I look forward to seeing more of these.

This is not fair!!

I can see why she brings a smile to your face when you think of her, she is beautiful. This is such a WOW piece!

I still don't think it is fair.

Ok, thats it, I quit. ;)

This is so incredibly beautiful I just don't even know what to say. If this is your first pastel, and first child I can't wait to see every one after it.

Simply amazing, you are very gifted.

Thank you Allan and thank you Debra!! Your comments mean a lot to me. Allan, I think I tend to gravitate towards portraits/faces with minimal or almost blank expression. It may have something to do with allowing the viewer to read more into it than may be "there," to allow for more subtle emotions to be conveyed or experienced. I don't know how I'll feel when a client wants me to paint them with a big smile.

Janel, I think it helped on this one the fact that I know her. I spent about a week living with her family. She is the most delightful, happy, well-adjusted little kid I know. She's so much fun. Her family is very poor - materially - but very rich in every other way. She is very lucky to be part of such a loving family.

Mary, I now know why you love to do childrens portraits. I know I love to do old people - always such character. But I think I will equally enjoy portraying kids. It's so gratifying to know that it is possible to convey the innocence, the spirit of young children.

OOps!! I forgot! It's not my first children's portrait! :o I did that charcoal of my mom. I feel so guilty - how could I forget my own mother??!!?? Well, I just won't tell her. :) Besides, she wasn't my mother when the photo was taken!