Complexion “Radiant”

Jack contacted me wanting to know if we could help him and his wife Ann create a portrait of their daughter Lisa. As we visited, I came to understand that they had a favorite picture of Lisa in a group with other ladies, but it was captured in a poor quality computer generated color print that couldn’t be enlarged without losing detail or “pixelating”.  Jack had tried other venues – but wasn’t able to find anyone who could take the 8 x 11 printed copy and expand it to the larger size they wanted to matt and frame.  Talking with Jack, I understood how important this was to them, so I told him I would give it a try – if they could help me as the work progressed to make whatever adjustments where Complexion Radiant Lisa Weldon Color Pencil Portrait Posted - Mike Kitchens 08042014needed to capture Lisa – provide me the details and feedback to fill in the gaps that I could not see in their reference picture. I created several layouts for them to review – changing Lisa’s pose / hairstyle, etc., and they picked the one that best fit how they pictured Lisa. When I asked Jack for hair color, eye color, etc., he came back with “Eyes are Blue, Hair is brunette, Ponytail is the right style, blouse a light green …… and complexion is “Radiant!”  That last is what struck me and stayed with me as we worked together to complete Lisa’s portrait …. A Father’s love stated in a simple description of his daughter as being “Radiant” – I will never forget that simple word used to tell me about their daughter ……”radiant”…………

Posted by Micheal Kitchens, Timeless Family Art  (click on picture to enlarge)

There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.
— John Gregory Brown

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.
— Author Unknown