6:10:2025
I have a beautiful moment caught on film that inspired the abstract piece I started today. It’s based on a photo of my son when he was nine months old and my daughter when she was two. In my last post, I mentioned wanting to limit the number of colours I use, and I still plan to do that, but not for this piece. For this work, I’ve been guided by the vibrant colours that Norman Lewis used in his painting The Players.
I’m learning to be patient when blending the colours and to keep my fingers clean to avoid muddying the tones. The piece isn’t finished yet, but I can already see a difference in how I’ve applied the pastels from right to left. I took more time blending on the right side, and I really like how that area has turned out so far.
This is what I have done so far.
When I look at other artists’ work that features children or babies, I always take a moment to admire it. I think it takes real skill to capture the essence of a child, to make them look like a child rather than just a small adult. It’s a bit like trying to draw a horse that ends up looking more like a donkey, and vice versa.
I was a little worried when I started this piece, as the only part I was keeping true were their silhouettes, and I thought it might end up looking like two lovers. I’m really happy with how my son on the right turned out, as I feel I managed to capture the essence of a baby. My daughter on the left, however, has the gentle presence of a mother with her child.
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