The Treasure

28″ x 22″
Oil on canvas

In 2007, as we were ending our trip in southern China we came upon this proud grandmother with her prize possession. The Chinese people were so gracious in allowing us to photograph their children. Children are absolutely my favorite thing to paint. This little prince was in a handmade bamboo carrier made with thought and love. He was so happy. He was in the split pants traditionally worn in earlier times. You can just see a tiny bit of his baby genitalia. With the one child policy of China he was a true treasure for this family. I’ve photographed him in several views and will probably attempt to paint him again and again as long as I can paint.