9″x12″ acrylic, 2011. This floppy little Waldorf doll belongs to Beth’s two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Isabelle. The tag is Isabelle’s favorite part of Thumkin, of course. Several months ago, Beth mused about a portrait of Isabelle’s beloved Thumkin and wrote about my work on her lovely blog. Beth wrote me that since Thumkin “has not left Isabelle’s hand for longer than a wash-dry cycle since she was 7 months old, that scrap of fabric really does become a cherished family member… I realized the other day that at some point, the Velveteen Rabbit syndrom will occur and Thumkin will be forgotten.” Beth decided to have this portrait made because “on one hand is just that little scrap of fabric, but on the other hand is the embodiment of my daughter’s babyhood.” I mentioned to Beth that I often encounter toys which have been loved by a child well into adulthood. As long as Thumkin doesn’t completely disintigrate, he may hang around longer that you expect!
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You did a beautiful job on that piece. I really have to think about getting this done for my little ones’ dog very soon!
Thank’s so much! Looking forward to it!
Love, love, love. That’s all I’ve got. It’s saying something when you render an English teacher/writer speechless! You and your paintbrush have earned a special place in our hearts, Jennifer!
I’m thrilled to death that you like it! Thumkin was such a pleasure to paint.
It is beautiful! You have captured Thumkin’s true essence–it really is a portrait of “him”!! (Admiration from Isabelle’s grandma.)
Thank you Jo, very sweet of you to say so!