They don't see what she sees

This painting, as I composed it, is an allegory on how children see differently than most adults, While the grown ups are engrossed with something off screen, the child notices... you! The viewer! This can also be a comment on how we are trained as we grow up not to stare at people and to, in fact, ignore outsiders, but it's charming how children will engage directly with strangers, and will frequently exchange a silent communication of emotion and expression.

Process: I create an underpainting with acrylic-based warm-toned pastel primers and apply the pastel in layers upon it. The warm tones of the primers interact with the pastels to create visual vibrations and exciting color conversations.