First Touch

Technically, probably the best painting in the book. The model is my friend and colleague's son Robby, who is actually the real-life grandson of the model for The Return.

I knew Robby could pull off modeling for the illustrations. His mother, grandmother, and grandfather are all illustrators--he's used to it!

Robby was also the model for the grumbling older brother in On Christmas Eve.

from The Prince of Butterflies