Hannah loves Legos. She loves to draw. She loves her dog. She has gorgeous red hair and a winning smile. At some point during the family festivities, we both got bored, and out came the art supplies. When I asked if she wanted just a portrait of her face, or of all of her, she immediately said, “All of me!” That surprised me, because many youngsters on the threshold of being a teen are self conscious and awkward. She is uncomplicated. Life is good. It’s that simple. For now.
I took a photo and just now finished the sketch from that. I wonder if she will recognize herself – her face is maybe what she will see in the mirror in another year, and feet are not my strong suit… I left out the elaborate Lego graphic design on her tee because this wasn’t about Lego, it was about her. My Resident Art Critic wondered if I shouldn’t add more paint, but I’m not adding any more anything – simple subject, simple treatment. And if I keep going, I’m afraid I’ll mess it up!
She lives in New York State, a second cousin once removed of my husband’s if I followed the family tree properly – those “removed” relations have always puzzled me. In my family, either you were a cousin, or you lived a long ways away and no one kept track. I wish she lived closer because it would be fun to watch her grow as an artist. Maybe we can keep in touch digitallly – we’ll see!