Honestly, there are pictures I would never think to do but I end up thanking fate that someone else has the vision. Take this latest sketch as an example.

The parents wanted his trademark maneuver memorialized because it’s so cute.

But won’t he hate it?

His dad says he’ll be fine. It’s something that will pass, and he’ll move on. The drawing will only remind his parents of these wonderful days. He’s barely even talking but he’s expressive. With one hand he will either cap the crown of his head or twirl his fingers in the hair. The other hand is busied providing it’s thumb to be sucked.

They’re sure right, he does it a lot. So I did the sketch. Along the way, I decided that it really is harmless and even if it causes him some embarrassment growing up, his wife will love it.

It’s late at night and the lighting is crude, so excuse this photo of the drawing.

Technically, I’m happy with the settled pencil work technique. I doubt that a good reproduction is possible because the detail is too fine.

If this were garnering awards, my acceptance speech would include acknowledgement of Jim, for his insistence that I take the pencil sketches seriously. I’d thank all the models (and friends who have provided them) for the confidence and evolutionary improvement their help provided me.

But there are no awards, just the deepening night and an obligation to sleep. The **next morning, I may look upon it with horror after seeing some defect that’s lost to my eyes tonight. But I’m hoping I’ll still respect it in the morning. Some adjustments may be due, but all in all I am happy. If the parents like it, then it’s all good : )

**the next morning came and went and I rephotographed it in the sun. Still happy : )

I’ve affixed a backing and rephotographed it without the bends or contours of free lying paper

24″  X 18″ on water color paper using Ticonderoga graphite pencils. Photographed in afternoon sun, turned just enough away to get the pucker pattern on the paper to show.

Mathew is a good natured little guy who manages life’s stress by taking action: thumb and hair twirl