Dino and 2 children

[John Bruso]

Hi Guys,

My wife Mara is just starting out as a portrait artist. This is actually her very first original oil painting. Thoughts?

Thanks,
John

"This painting was my first attempt at an original oil painting. It followed a "practice run" in which I copied a painting by illustrator Mike Wimmer to get a feel for the medium. I took my time on this one. From the first photography shoot to the day I signed my name at the bottom, it took me 13 months to complete. My intentions were to make this my big debut piece, so I chose an image that I knew was going to get everyone's attention.

The dinosaur is so interesting because he isn't quite fearsome but he doesn't really look like a cute playmate, either. I love how he intrudes into the world of the children just enough to get his nose caught by a bit of the lamplight. Of course, the kids are my son, Taylor, and daughter, Annie. Surrounding them are toys I have tripped over many times and favorite blankets homemade by family members. My favorite part of this painting? Look closely