My parents' first child, Peter, was diagnosed as mentally retarded while still a baby. This 1996 portrait was inspired by a photo taken of Peter during a family wedding in the early 1990s. Firm lines put down with ink help contain the flowing watercolor--much of it applied with my fingers--although in some areas the ink and paint ran together to create interesting colors and effects, especially in the face. Together with Peter's smile, they capture some of his endearing childlike quality.
Peter, watercolor and pen and ink
