When our son was eight, we commissioned an artist to paint his portrait. We took the artist, along with our son, Stuart III, and his dog, Higgins, to a field of flowers near our stable. I photographed him, while she sketched the scene. The next week, she came to our house to paint a study of him. Then, she took my photographs, as a reference point, and painted the final version in her studio. She is no longer taking commissions, sadly. We cherish having this portrait that hangs in our kitchen sitting-room at Fox Hall.
Nothing says a “classic and traditional family” more than the presence of a charming and bespoke pastel, watercolor, or oil portrait of your precious child (or children), discreetly displayed in your home. A portrait, that is tastefully commissioned and executed, continues to be a time-honored tradition embraced in noble homes. Children’s portraits have historically been displayed in the most prestigious homes, from English country and historic houses to contemporary and traditional interiors. A sweet portrait of your child is a prized, prototypical, decorative element.
I just adore the historic aspect, along with the impressibility, of pastels as the medium used for a portrait. Pastels were created in the 15th century. There is a fragility, an allure, and a softness that only pastels can relay. From Leonardo da Vinci to Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas, their masterful use of pastels, especially for children’s portraits, has left an indelible impression on my psyche and the visual experience of their art. I do not mean to disparage oils or acrylic paint, but I do have an affinity for pastel portraiture.
When I was at Blenheim Palace, I will never forget climbing the circular staircase in the Private Apartments with Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, while we were filming her childhood home for an episode of my PBS television series. I glanced up to see the most charming portrait of Henrietta with her brother, now the 12th Duke of Marlborough, when they were young children together. This memory of discovering this sweet portrait has stayed with me. There is something to be said for having an artist capture the essence and innocent allure of your children at a young age.
Consider commissioning an artist when your child is old enough to sit for at least an hour at a time... after the age of four, perhaps? (Bribery is usually a necessity!) And yes, portraits certainly can be created from a photograph. But for me, I believe an actual study of the child, painted in situ, captures the true enchantment of them. Call me a purist!
As an example, in my first book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, on page 327 there is an oil study of my daughter, Caroline, which was loosely painted in one sitting. It was a “study” by the artist.
In my second book, Pearls of Palm Beach, this portrait is featured on page 85. The noted Cuban artist, Pedro Menocal (who also drew the official portrait of Nancy Reagan), created a lovely pastel portrait of Eileen Burns and her three beautiful daughters, in the chapter: Irish House. This pastel portrait captures the quintessence of mother-daughter love!
Grandmillenial Tips:
While living in Taipei, Taiwan, Mummy had a Chinese artist paint me at age eleven whilst holding my dog, Mischief. Knowing that blue was a color she incorporated into most of her interiors, she had the artist transform my “Peck & Peck” green smocked dress into a soft, Wedgwood blue. Oh, the magic of an artist!
If you have individual portraits done for each child during varying years, attempt to use the same artist, or at least make the artwork the same size. Then, have them framed similarly so that they complement one another when hung together.
Commission a portrait of your child to give as a gift to their grandparents. My daughter Caroline did this for us and it is adorable!
For some reason, children’s portraits tend to be more timeless without their teeth showing.
No children? Consider commissioning a portrait of your beloved dog or horse, while they are young, as well!
Ron Ramsey, the former Art Director of Golf Magazine for over 18 years, is also a very accomplished artist and excels at portraits in various mediums. Look at this watercolor… isn’t it wonderful? (A two for one: child and horse!) He painted the two adorable daughters of my lifelong friend, Nancy Wall, which have hung in her living room for well over thirty years. I have always admired them! He also creates house renderings. Ron’s website will be up soon, but until then, he can be contacted via email by clicking here.
Forbidden Faux Pas:
No-no: To have a child’s portrait featured over the most prominent space in your house, the living room mantelpiece. Even though your children are the most important treasures to you, consider a more discrete area to hang their portraits such as the hallway, bedroom, or even the breakfast room!
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