I fell in love as soon as I opened the photos for last week’s Weekend Drawing Event at WetCanvas.
His name is Jack…
He’s so young, but I see a child who appears comfortable with who he is so far. Maybe he is loved enough to be who he is. That’s a comforting thought.
He looks as if someone has just asked: Do you have a minute, Jack?
And he has stopped his work to listen…
Whatever his story, I needed to paint it...
He slows the world down for me, just for today. In a world that’s crazy with GO! — a world that seems to spin ahead with or without my permission — this little guy offers me a minute to breathe and gather my thoughts. To smile. To feel like I matter.
He’s in no hurry.
Am I? Do I take the time to say yes to someone who needs a minute to be heard? Do I consider them important enough to stop what I’m doing and just listen?
How about you?
Barb
P.S. Thank you so much for coming by. Please help yourself to coffee — Valerie often brings doughnuts or other goodies over from Seeing Things.
This morning I’m stealing a rose from Vered’s beautiful garden for the side board. 
If you get a chance, scoot over there for a bigger bouquet and for her thoughts on life-predictability and time’s fast pace. You’ll be glad you did. Just the pictures are worth it.
The painting is done in Corel Painter 11, using Den’s Oil Brushes. You can see the details of the painting here if you wish.
I drew him first, and used Den’s Oil Brushes in Corel Painter 11, giving him different shirt colors to bring more focus to his precious face and posture.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Barb,
I’m catching up on my blogging/blog reading and just made it over to your blog. What a fantastic surprise awaited me here! Your blog is awesome… filled with wonderful art and thoughtful, inspiring commentary. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the kind comment and “follow”. I’ll definitely be back… would love to stay longer today but today is Saturday and I’ve set aside this daya to work in my poor neglected garden! I look forward to reading more of your posts. Have a great weekend!
Teresa’s last blog post..Blue Girl WIP #4
Great picture.
Well, pretty much what Teresa said.
And, thank you very much for the link!
Vered – MomGrind’s last blog post..A Rose Garden
Barb, I so enjoy the picture of the young fellow, I think he is being patient to pose for a picture and he is thinking about who the picture is for…
Your painting is a joy and softens the fellow into a cherub of your interpretation. Lovely.
Your talent is inspiring as are your words.
I popped over to see Vered’s garden roses again, what a garden and safe feeling spot.
I grabbed a bottle of water – think I must pass on the doughnuts!
Patricia’s last blog post..Summer Reading: Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog ~Ted Kerasote
You have captured the little boy very well. What a delightful subject.
best wishes
Ribbon
You caught him so perfectly. Life gets so hectic sometimes. It’s great to be reminded to stop and listen. I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you……………….:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..A Garden Tour of Malibu’s Adamson House
Boyoboy…did I ever need to read what you wrote today! Life is sometimes so hard to slow down…….I just wish “warp drive” included brakes! Jack is a breath of fresh air….and your painting has beautifully captured that caring, confident air he exudes so well. Wouldn’t you love to catch up with him in a few years and see if he’s been able to maintain that amazing spirit? I bet he’ll insist on it!!!
You captured his expression perfectly. He just looks so patient and content to me
My world isn’t full of too much GO these days, and I’m glad.
Anita
Ah, Barb . . . once again you’ve written something thought-provoking. I love the painting of this little boy, too.
“Maybe he is loved enough to be who he is.” What a lovely thought! This, I thought, is what I want for my grandchildren, to nurture who they are.
I been away from them for less than a week, and already I miss them so much. When I am with them, it seems like the world goes away, and they are all there is. My world slows down, nothing else is important. But, perhaps, that is what Grandmas are for? To have the time to listen and nurture, to be someone who has nothing but the child to think about?
Patricia
Jack is beautiful and wonderfully captured in your painting, Barb. Isn’t it amazing, the self-possession that young children possess! I hope Jack carries this strength of self along with him to adulthood. Thanks for your reminder to us grownups to pay attention to the often small things and the attitudes and outlooks that really make life a treasure: a wonderful posting for this holiday weekend.
Terro’s last blog post..Uncommon, Common Sense
You did an amazing job of capturing Jack on digital canvas .. the smile, the eyes, the mood and all.
JD’s last blog post..Top 10 Lessons Learned in Interpersonal Skills
Thank you so much, JD…
Hi Barb. A beautiful piece this is. This little boy looks angelic in your rendition. I like the shirt colours you chose.
Davina’s last blog post..Positively Breathing — Affirmation 4
What a lovely looking little boy and I can understand why you felt compelled to paint him.
You say you used Den’s oil brushes. The paint strokes and media have really come out well.
I must have a try doing this using the same brushes…..when I get some time!
Maureen
Hi Maureen. I’d love to see what you do with Den’s brushes. I hadn’t tried them in a very long time, but as my style(s) develop, I find old things have new meaning to me. Like her brushes.
Hi Teresa. Welcome! I equally admire your blog and art work. You show great patience in draw/painting a portrait, and I love watching the process.
Our gardens get mulched this weekend… It’s been a little chilly till now.