Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wonder


"Wonder"
10 x 14 watercolor

A few months ago I watched my youngest son (above, at about eighteen months old) playing with his stuffed Elmo and Winnie the Pooh in a gorgeous shaft of sunlight streaming in through his bedroom window. 

So, of course I ran to grab my camera. As soon as he spotted me watching him he stopped playing and came to sit by me, bringing Elmo for me to play with (there's no way he was letting anyone, not even Mom, play with his Pooh bear).

I tried to get him to play by himself again, just for a minute, so I could get some pictures to paint from. And he did, but most of the photos came out looking forced. Like some mother was obviously trying to pose her cute kid. :)

Strange huh?

But there was one moment when I caught him sitting in the shadows watching me when I was adjusting my camera. His eyes full of curiosity, innocence and wonder. And I just happened to be quick enough to catch him with this expression.

I'm very happy with how this painting turned out. :)

Some days as a stay at home mom seem to be filled with nothing but endless chores and routine tasks. Some days are hard. But there are also days that are filled with incredible sweetness and beauty.

That's when I remember that far too soon there will be a day when I'm not asked to play Elmo and Winnie the Pooh. There will be a day when I'm not the center of one little boy's world. That's when I try to remember that today is not that day, so I can savor it while I can.

27 comments:

  1. Grystal, that is one FABULOUS portrait!! Bravo! So what if you didn't get Pooh Bear. Your son's eyes in your portrait are SO well done!!!
    By the way, could I interest you in 2 low-mileage chinchillas???

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  2. Oh Crystal, this is so sweet. I LOVE that little lip! And it DOES go by so fast. Thank goodness there's a bunch of new levels of wonder they take you to... I do miss that baby-to-preschool stage though. There's something particularly wonderful about it ; )

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  3. I like how the background makes the foreground pop.

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  4. So sweet, beautiful skin tones. Love those little moments when we are touched by their innocence and happiness.

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  5. Crystal - this is such a sweet painting. I think it's my new favorite of yours. YOu really captured a lot of personality here.

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  6. Beautiful!! Perfectly captured his innocent face, curious eyes & of course his little lips.

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  7. Crystal, how wonderful!! Beautifully done!

    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  8. Perfect title for this one, Crystal...you can see that look of wonder in his eyes.

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  9. The feel has been captured so brilliantly. You are awesome. And yes enjoy your day till it lasts.

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  10. So beautiful! I know how hard it is to capture little guys in the moment. This is a terrific expression and such a wonderful painting. Your boys are so lucky that they are going to have such wonderful paintings of their milestones.

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  11. How beautiful! No wonder you are so happy with it. The expression on his face says it all.
    I know what you mean about enjoying those precious moments while you can. My first born flies the nest this Monday :0(

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  12. Gorgeous painting and one which you will treasure for years xx

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  13. Oh my goodness! Your skintones are amazing! I am in such awe of the blend you achieved. Wow!

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  14. incredible expression, Crystal. great job.
    So did you finish the painting of the man and was it to your satisfaction[several posts ago}It sure looked great to me. I know just what you mean when we think things are just ruined or not looking right. we usually are right as we have some preconceived notion of what it should be and are even annoyed when everyone else thinks it is just perfect. LOL

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  15. Those eyes are like shining jewels!!! and I love the skin tones too. Yes, they grow up way too fast - but are always a pleasure- I am enjoying mine in a different level now that they are adults :)

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  16. Innocence and inquisitive come over in droves in this charming portrait. Wonderful skin tones.

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  17. Oh Crystal, you captured the innocence in his beautiful expression! He's adorable! Enjoy your "little man".

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  18. Crystal, You are one smart lady...they grow up much too fast, faster than you can imagine. At least you will have this beautiful portrait to remind you of days gone bye,

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  19. Crystal, You are one smart lady...they grow up much too fast, faster than you can imagine. At least you will have this beautiful portrait to remind you of days gone bye,

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  20. This is so sweet
    Beautiful skintones!
    You are so right!They grow up so fast!
    I'm a stay at home mum to triplets
    they are 16 jears old.
    And now I know that all the love and attention you invests, comes back to you :)

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  21. Good work, Crystal...they do grow up quick and move away and and and, only phone once in a while, when they want something, sorry just misting up a bit...heeee!

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  22. he is such a good model. I love how he is biting his lip.

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  23. Wow! What a wonderful painting and such insightful thoughts too. You have captured his expression perfectly! Wonder if anyone could do it better than his mom!?! :)
    Its been 5 days since you have posted anything new, too long for someone who paints so actively as you do.
    Best wishes

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  24. Now isn't that just the cutest thing you've ever seen. I love it!

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  25. Thank you so much everyone for your wonderful and kind comments. You help encourage me every day! Thanks friends! :)

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  26. Wonderful Crystal, that look is priceless)

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  27. you should be pleased crystal ...gorgeous !

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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