Chester

Chester's portrait is the second for a family in Middleburg, Virginia. I had painted his sister a couple years earlier. Chester's sitting involved a balance of photographs and dispensing Goldfish crackers and Cheerios via one of his toy trucks. I have learned over the years that a good portrait starts with a child that is at ease during the portrait photo session. I have also learned that it is often up to me to make this happen, and this often results in my getting down on my knees and making a game out of our time together. This may involve play acting with Beanie Babies or Webkinz, making funny noises or jokes, counting fingers, or telling stories (i.e. whether it be me or the child telling them varies!). At the very least, it gives me more to recollect as I paint the portrait in the studio. Chester's portrait is a great example of the personality that can come out in children when we take the time to meet them at their level.