Trust Them

...the parent, that is. I sometimes offer portrait sketches at discounted pricing and I love when I'm sent pictures by proud parents, especially. But every once in a while a parent sends me a photo that is quirky and fun to look at, but I'm not always sure it's the best choice for a sketch. I guess I've become "run-of-the-mill" in that regard, and will opt for a posed capture, where the facial expression is not too extreme - as I fear that I may end up making it look too cartoonish, and I'm not into caricature artist.

My cousin, Demarick, sent me a photo of his son, King, once. Adorable, bronze-toned little boy with so much personality that his little body can barely contain it all. Huge, expressive eyes - beautifully full lips and a uniquely shaped nose are but some of the things that make him an illustrator's (or portrait artist's) dream. You either beast out and nail it when you draw a face like that, or you miss by a mile and consider burning all art supplies - fueled by the frustration of many failed attempts. (Oh, that's just me?) The photo he sent had King sporting a huge Sponge Bob knit hat, large goggles, and so much of his handsome face was obstructed. I did not want to draw it. I asked my cousin if he was sure that he wanted "thaaaaaaaaat picture" drawn. He was sure. I drew it.

It is one of my favorite pieces to date. The father was right, the hat and the goggles all only served to emphasize his son's unique character traits and it's a quirky beautiful piece. I need to trust them.

These parents...they know what connects them, they know what makes their children so totally special.

Young Taylor (pictured as the cover photo for this blog) is another example. Her dad, Kenneth, sends me a photo of her with her brother - my eyebrow automatically raises. "THIS ONE?" I think to myself again. I contact him because the photo is overexposed in some areas and not as crisp as I normally like to work with. I recommended that he choose another photo of them. He let me know that he was really feeling that one, and that if I could work from it, he would like for me to move forward. They were having fun in that photo. What parent is not at their best when their child or children are unabashedly happy/proud/excited? Not one. We, as parents, love for our children to give the world a glimpse of the unique brilliance and beauty that we appreciate every minute. Taylor served up "attitudinal" pout for the shot. How great is it to see such a driven young girl, who's gifted academically and athletically, having a "big silly sis" moment with the "little bro", yanno? Dad knew it, and now I know it - and yes, it's now another of my faves.

Trust them...these parents...they see ahead of our vision sometimes. yeah.