Happy snow day Seattle! I could not be more content to work at my computer with the blinds open wide on a sea of white roof tops. There is just something magical about a good ol’ fashioned surprise day of snow. So to honor such a day I thought I would share my favorite illustrative commission of 2013-these two bundles of cheeks and hair! 

Painting children is pretty high on my list of favorite activities. There is just something undeniable about their expressions and body language. But painting children as a surprise gift for one of their parents-leaves me all kinds of extra giddy. I am absolutely on team surprise gift. I have the hardest time keeping gifts I buy for people until their appropriate holidays. I love the act of surprising someone with thoughtfulness. 

The reaction to this piece was everything I could have hoped for and thought of while I painted away at those little dots. The unveiling was meet with much ooing and ahhing and the oldest little one attempting to touch the reproduction of her face while whispering “wow” quietly to herself. I was nearly skipping my way to the car after. I am so thankful for such an experience and the chance to get to paint those cheeks. But the true cake topper, the reason I claim this one as my favorite of an entire year-it is that tiny quite little wow. I have never felt so close to magical.  

In every piece I paint I always have a favorite corner, color or line in the finished product. This being my favorite illustrative piece in 2013 thought it only fitting to leave you with my favorite little corner. 

Happy Sunday-Snow day y'all!