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America's Children (2006) by Stephen B Whatley

Olivia, Adam & Ryan

2006

Oil on canvas 30 x 40 in

Private Collection, Virginia, USA

 

This portrait was commissioned by an American art lover who came across Stephen B Whatley's work during a visit to Her Majesty's Tower of London. Overwhelmed, he emailed the artist, eager to purchase the original Henry VIII tribute by Stephen B Whatley; and on finding that the original - one of the 30 works commissioned from Stephen in 2000 - belongs to The Tower, he commissioned a portrait of his three children - from photographs.

On receipt of the completed painting in the USA, he expressed his overwhelmed pleasure and increduilty that, having never met the children, the artist had never-the-less completely captured their personalities and bond.

He also went on to write, "...In my home I have a favorite painting by Mary Cassatt ( American Impressionist, 1844-1926) , of her father reading a book. Now it is second to your painting of my children."

A heartwarming & humbling response, for which Stephen was most grateful. Whether he paints from life, photographs or memory, his creation always springs from his heart & soul.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

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Uploaded on March 3, 2008
Taken on February 25, 2006