Saturday, July 31, 2010

Illustration Friday - Artificial

I swim at 8:00 am everyday, like clockwork.  During summer vacation, I bring my girls. We've worked out a deal:  if they sit through my workout, they get to play at the playground for an equal amount of time.  After all, fair is fair.

This past Thursday, there were two other little girls on the playground.  A serious game of tag ensued, and the resulting giggles were wonderful.  Just as the other girls had to leave, I noticed that the youngest of the new playmates had an prosthetic hand.

I found it so refreshing that the difference wasn't a big deal.  There was no pointing, or whispering or any such thing that you often see adults do.  Their main concern was who was "it" in their game of tag.  They did ask about it on the way home, but as soon as I told them about the many possible reasons someone might have an artificial limb, they were satisfied and the rest of the conversation reverted back to how much fun the game of tag was.

When I read that this week's Illustration Friday prompt was "artificial," it was my girls who suggested that I do a drawing of someone like the little girl from the playground.  This is what I've sketched so far. 

While we try to teach our children all about life, 
it's our children who teach us what life is all about.
~ Author unknown

13 comments:

  1. What a wonderful, heartwarming story - and the super illustration is the icing on the cake!

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  2. A lovely sketch for the prompt! Great idea! I can't wait to see the finished piece!

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  3. This is a sweet story, and I love how your illustration captures the carefree and energetic spirit of the children.

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  4. A wonderful sketch and a sweet idea. I really love the poses and the sense of movement you've captured in the kids.

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  5. Really nice sense of movement and gesture. Not at all stiff. I love the belly on the upside down girl and the swinging feeling in this pic. Way to go!

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  6. You are SO good at depicting children in your drawings... wonderful!

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  7. Your girls are so wise because they have such a wise mom!! <3 Beautiful post and I love the quote!!

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  8. Terrific movement and expression. A wonderful compliment to the story!

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  9. Beautiful post and a wonderful sketch!

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  10. Great drawing. I love all the movement.

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  11. Fantastic Michelle! Love the lines and the action!

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