My collector Jenna was looking for an artist to paint her daughter Jennings. She is about to turn six, right around the age I recommend for portraits. Jenna heard of me because I've painted her friends' kids. She and her husband checked out my work and liked it, so she booked a consultation with me. I liked Jennings the first time I met her. She is so warm and engaging. I hadn't been in the house five minutes when she asked if I would like to see her room.

Naturally, I said yes.

It was like all little girls' rooms should be: pink, with beaded curtains on the door frame. She proudly showed me her collection of stuffed owls (favorite animal), her surprisingly well-organized desk, and her dolls. I posed as she took a picture of me on her new camera, an honor she bestows on all of her visitors;)

In addition to having a great personality, Jennings was an ideal portrait subject. She was calm and relaxed as I took her picture, like she was used to having her portrait painted.

I was inspired by her warm personality and the way her eyes lit up when she told me about her favorite things - playing the violen, her best friend Barnes, or being a St. Mary's flower girl. Before I began painting, I knew I wanted to emphasize her big blue eyes and dimples by keeping the background light and loose.

When Jenna saw the finished portrait, she said she almost cried for joy.

And I can't talk about this commission without mentioning baby Clyde. After I took Jennings pictures, he hopped up on the chair and said, “Cheeeese," which sounded more like "tchaayyyss." #babytalk.

For real? That's too cute. Just another reason I love what I do!