Baby love. . .

Jacob . 16 x 12 . oil on Belgian linen on portrait panel

I cannot describe the feeling of painting the expression of a new baby.  It's something that goes beyond words and I'm left thinking it's simply, plainly the absolute freshness, newness, joyfulness - if you will - that comes across through their eyes.  Loved and cared for, their pure loving trust grows in leaps and bounds.  I have to admit I found myself constantly smiling while painting Jacob. . .the adorable animal hat was only part of the equation!  

It's always an honor to paint a child, no matter big or little.  It's love being passed down, love memorized, love given permanency in paint.  Children have the capacity to enlarge our hearts and give us higher aims, show new possibilities.

If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world. 

--Dorothy L. Nolte