First painting of 2013: "Lullaby"

This brand new painting, "Lullaby," is the second in a set of portraits that have been in the works for several months. I am posting them both today.

"Lullaby" - 21.75 x 16" - oil on linen

Both portraits feature my dear friend Laura, and her one-month-old son, Simon. "Nurturer" (see below) also includes Laura's 2-year-old daughter, Elise. I was incredibly honored to spend three days with this beautiful family, humbly documenting with canvas and brush the biological wonder of breastfeeding. There were times when I was moved to tears as I watched this young mother -- who had struggled during her pregnancy -- sing and murmer to her little boy. I wanted to capture that incredible intimacy and love shared between mother and son. I was also awed by the love and caring that Laura's two girls had for their little brother. I don't know if my work could ever be called "poetic," but I think the subject matter here certainly is. Laura had art modelled many times in college, both for me and for her husband, who is also an artist. There is just something about her that whispers, "muse," and so, here she is -- more beautiful and glowing than ever.

"Nurturer" - 24x30" - oil on linen

Both paintings were completed in the studio, but I found that I relied heavily on the color studies I painted from life. The studies were invaluable in that they helped me remember the lighting, the colors, and what I was feeling at the time that I painted them.

(Above) The model, with my color study for "Nurturer", painted from life

Here is another color study (8x6") from my weekend with Laura and her family. 

I am sad that this project is finished! I'll just have to rope my friend into modelling me again for something else... :-)

By the way, if you wish to see the progression of "Nurturer" from start to finish, click here to view a slideshow.

First painting of 2013: "Lullaby"