Doing this has really made me realize the importance of pursuing one's own vision. The strong reference to Norman Rockwell was completely intentional, but over all it has left me feeling pretty unfulfilled. Though I'm happy that I hammered this out in around two weeks. The composition is also fairly similar to that piece I did last year here. I definitely feel like it's an improvement, mainly in lighting and color.
Here's the underpainting.
Oil on Rives BFK
I'll give you $50 bucks if you can guess whose face was referenced.
Just kidding.
