Artist's Statement: This posting is the third of three charcoals showing individual triplets, at the age of four, at moments of preternatural solemnity. This charcoal shows the other of the two boys of the triplets, but by happenstance shows only the left side of his face. The full portrait is of a cousin. Both children appear solemn; the cousin’s gaze is less guarded. Charcoal Drawing 11.5 x 8.5 in When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for w

Artist's Statement: This posting is the second of three charcoals showing individual triplets, at the age of four, at moments of preternatural solemnity. This charcoal is of the one girl. Can pessimism look hopeful or hope appear pessimistic? From her facial expression, posture, and the look in her eyes, I had that impression. Charcoal Drawing 11 x 8.5 in Love children especially, for they too are sinless like the angels; they live to soften and purify our hearts and, as it

Artist's Statement: This posting is the first of three charcoals showing individual triplets, two boys and a girl, at the age of four. The preternatural solemnity in each portrait reflects past circumstances of great familial difficulty followed by great familial love, support, and understanding. This portrait is of one of the two boys, about to open a present, after which his expression changed from solemn anticipation to simple happiness. Charcoal Drawing 14 x 11 in Childre

Artist's Statement: The model for this painting is one of my very favorites – my daughter. She is an individual of remarkable depth, who is capable sometimes of such joy as to seem magical. Oil on Wood Panel 36 x 12 in I feel like a part of my soul has loved you since the beginning of everything. Maybe we’re from the same star. Emery Allen contemporary author and poet Here was peace. She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net. Pulled it from around the waist of the worl

Artist's Statement: Coelho’s statement fits the eyes of my son, who was the model for both of these portraits. As for the passage from Hugo, B’H’ my son is not poor, but those who know him would agree that the stars do pass through his soul. Mr. Cool Oil on Panel 18 x 24 in His Eyes Oil on Panel 14.25 x 17.5 Your eyes show the strength of your soul. Paulo Coelho The Alchemist What Is Love? I have met in the streets a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his c

Artist's Statement: This color study shows Miriam a little older than in the painting posted last Friday. She has now followed her baby brother, Moses, in his basket of reeds, along the banks of the Nile, to a swampy area where he will be rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter. My model for this color study is another of the remarkable sisters I mentioned in last Friday’s posting. These three sisters are similar enough in appearance to serve as models for the same historical person,

Artist's Statement: To think of the story of Moses as focused solely on men (e.g. Moses, his brother Aaron) is to miss the remarkable roles played by women and even girls. This painting focuses on Miriam, sister to Moses. After Pharaoh’s decree for the killing of all Jewish boy babies, Miriam’s father (the leader of the Jews) and his wife divorced and opted for sexual abstinence to avoid the horror. Miriam – six years old – admonished her parents, “Your decree is worse than