October Painting Challenge: Adolescence

Welcome back to the Challenge, Suzanne, and thanks for picking our subject this month!

This one is a continuation of sorts of last month's theme. I enjoyed thinking about what adolescence might mean in a symbolic way (and, I admit, stressed over it a bit).

That preteen age is still rather care-free for most kids, but thoughts are taking shape about adulthood. I wanted to show something of that transition in life.

(image above left) "Soothing Break" Oil on hardboard 6"x9" ©2012 Diana Moses Botkin

For my reference I used a photo of my youngest from a few years ago that I'd snapped while he was enjoying some relaxing time in the warm sun and the company of our fuzzy orange cat. I thought he looked like he might be pondering some of life's questions while lying on the ground.

We've all been super busy lately but I'm very glad we've managed to keep up our monthly puzzler. I think everyone's paintings are stellar.

Every one of us has had our own challenges to deal with, so it is especially delightful to me that all of the group was able to come up with a painting for this one. You can see larger images at each artist's blog link.

 (first painting)
"Adolescence"
Oil on canvas
6"x8"
©2012 Suzanne Berry

 
(second painting)
"Tyler the Teenager"
14" x18" Pastel
©2012 Vicki Ross


  

Mark's painting, an early work of his, is impressive for a youngster, and perfect for our theme! 

(third painting)
"Self portrait 1968"
Oil on canvas
27" x 18"
©1968 Mark Adams