Ben

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Mary, I agree with Mike about these two. The poses in the first two batches were better, in my opinion, I would choose one of those.

Will you choose the ones you think are good and then show those photos to the mom? I'm curious how this part of the process goes for you.

Joan

[Mary Sparrow]

Thanks Mike.

Joan, We took a quick look at these pictures before I ever left their house. The problem I foresee happening now, is because she thought they were all good, she has her favorites, and her favorites just may not be the best for painting. So I will be in for a battle I have a feeling. I need for this one to be good because her mother wants 8 (of each grandchild)!

[Mary Sparrow]

The mother and I have not decided on anything for her portrait yet. But I wanted to "try" the back-lit one. I was 95% done, brought that nice glowing little face up to take a picture to check on the computer. I put it on the dining room table, the phone range, I turn around and here comes one filfthy toddler.

Now I have one hazy ruined face, hours down the drain and am looking for the SHOUT.

[Julie Deane]

Oh Mary -

I really feel for you....Kids - we love 'em, but I bet you were "fit to be tied" as my mom used to say.

Funny, I remember that saying being used a lot growing up.
My mom was a writer, and I don't think I ever messed up any of her manuscripts but I am sure the difficulties and frustrations in raising kids and practicing your craft are the same in any discipline.

Anyway, I'm so sorry you have to start over. But I bet the second painting will be even better!

[Allan Rahbek]

Mary,

If it could be any comfort to you, Turner sometimes used kids to start his watercolors. They were especially good to make nonsense scribbles on his paper, and he was equally good to make sense of it.

Allan