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This portrait has been hanging in the Jamison's house for 20 years but I will never forget how it unfolded. The Mother wanted a portrait of the 2 older kids before they went off to college and I was in their living room discussing poses with the 2 teenagers. In the back room I heard a crying child and in runs this 3 year old toddler most distraught. The daughter picks the little brother up, hugs him, dries his eyes, and it becomes clear to everyone that this was going to be a portrait of 3 kids, not two. The tenderness between these 3 siblings was unmistakable and with that the little one poses like his big brother while sitting on his sister's lap. 

Fast forward 20 years; the three are now grown up and back home for the holidays. One of the 'Kids" decides they need a photo posed like the painting, so there you have it! I am honored to have captured this family and their memories 20 years ago. I feel even more honored today.

While we wait for the birth of our 3rd grandchild, I think back over how exciting and wonderful it is to be a Grandparent. Each little person is so delightfully themselves and you have the opportunity to enjoy them without any of the responsibilities of parenthood. Leah was our first grandchild, and already she possesses such poise and is so full of her own ideas and opinions! How did this happen? She became very focused and serious at her first ballet recital last Spring. An insight into who she will become? I feel every stage in their development is a miracle; but when asked, what is the best time to paint a large formal portrait, I would say, any time after age 3. That is when they come into themselves while still holding on to their childhood. After about age 12 most change rapidly into awkward teens or (if they are lucky enough to avoid that) young adults. So, with that in mind, I encourage you to get a permanent record of this fleeting time in your family's life. I would be honored to paint a portrait of your children.

 Click on "Portraits" on my website  for more information. www.parispruden.com

What is it about the Italians? They seem to live life every day as if it were their last and their exuberance is infectious! In Opera, Food, Art, and just the way they greet each other with hugs and kisses, it's always over the Top. We hiked down the 420 steps from our villa to the sea one day, and while painting on the beach saw 3 Italian guys swim out to the cliffs and climb up on the rocks with the Mediterranean boiling beneath them. I couldn't imagine what they were doing when one of them dove, head first, into the deep blue sea! Clearly they seem to lack any real concern for their safety from the way they drive, but this was thrill seeking, doubled!  Maybe this living life on the edge is just in their bloodline. It's fun to watch but I am so glad we didn't live in Italy while raising teenagers!  Traveling places you in the middle of a culture with people who are different from you. If it expands your understanding and tolerance of others, then that is a Good Thing!  After this election, I hope we all remember that differences needn't divide us. That is what has made this country GREAT! 

The Art Class is having our Annual Student Art Show this Thursday at

Jack Meier Gallery, 2310 Bissonnet, 77005 from 5:30-7:30. I hope everyone will come out to see all the amazing talent of these artists: Georgia Carter, Hollee Clawater, Verlinde Doubleday, Raquel Fernandez, Palmer Hutcheson, Eleanor McCarthy, Carol McCraw, Olivia Pacini, and Lesley Spencer. See you there, November 3 and toast these special artists! Parking in back and valet across the street on Bissonnet.