Titled 'First Summer', this is a pastel portrait of a baby boy named Alexander enjoying his first summer. He had a habit of biting or sucking in his bottom lip in determined anticipation, and this is how I captured him so that his Mommy could always remember his adorable little quirk. As I reflect on this piece, I am reminded of his perfect joy, and how he had a very intense gaze for a baby not even one year old. His eyes sparkle with amazement as every day is a new adventure. His cheeks glow with the warmth of the sun. I love the play of shadow and light on those round and rosy, pudgy little cheeks.....and how the light dances over his lashes and brows. There's a sense of peace and tranquility that I wanted to convey, and each stroke adds an energy all its own.