When I create a portrait of a child I try to capture the essence of his/her personality.  Most parents seem to get an idea of the direction they want to go with their child's portrait after they see my work. Whether it's depicting their loved one as a fairy or something more traditional, I've never had a problem coming up with a concept the family loves, and I love painting.

I work from photographs that I prefer to take.  If that's not possible or practical, I make do with what the family has on hand.  Ideally, as the painting progresses I can compare it with the actual child.  In the case where the subject doesn't live in my area, I scan the painting and email it to the parents so they can see the progression of it.

I have to say that I have never had a client that wasn't thrilled with the likeness I created.  Truly, any portrait I have the opportunity to bring to life is a work of love... and I think it shows.