Portraits of Children

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Should they be painted?
In an age of high quality instant photography and, on the whole, smaller living spaces to hang portraits, this is a good question. Photos are perfect for capturing, in multiple, the elusive and enchanting expressions of childhood. It takes a second to snap a lens. The problem with that is, for a future memory, one is apt to spend only a second with the photo. Portraits take time to do well; the viewer, over many years, will take time to look.

When should they be painted?
To the left is an oil painting of Casilda, aged eight. To the right, dressed in red trimmed white ruffles and trying to put on her shoe is a watercolour of Casilda aged two and a bit. I hope to paint her again when she is sixteen and, if I am lucky, when she is a young woman. I would not presume to make the choice for anyone else. But, for Casilda, there is already a record of a child disappearing into an adult.

What should they wear?
This is a choice for parents and grandparents. As an artist, I would say something special but familiar, something that allows movement and, above all, does not itch or pinch.

How do I work? How long will it take?
I try to spend the first morning or afternoon getting to know the child, preferably in a place where the child feels comfortable. With younger children, I try to defocus any emphasis on them, for I am a stranger. In chatting to the mother etc., a child will soon carry on naturally - very often making a bid for my attention! At that point I will pull out a camera and use it as a bit of a game until the child is bored. I very seldom use a sketchpad at this stage. Children are quite used to camera, but big white pads tend to force posing and holding poses. Natural movement is the life in all portraits.

In a week or so, I will have a composition and rough outline on paper or canvas. They will come to me or I to them for about six sittings of under an hour each - sometimes barely fifteen minutes if the child is uncomfortable because overall, it is important this be a pleasant experience. (In America, because of time constraints, I usually work from photos.)

What will it cost?
For commissioned work, I like to receive half of the agreed price at the start and half on completion. But for more expensive portraits, including several children or the home etc., time payments are acceptable.