TBT - Maylisa, 2011

I have given a lot of drawings as gifts over the years, but something that I have become increasingly aware of is how few I have actually done for my dear sweet family! Realizing this has really brought a sadness to my heart, and I am determined to remedy this within the year (hold me to it!). Last November I gave my sister a portrait of herself and her husband for her birthday, and I recently gave a portrait of my niece to my sister-in-law, Amy, also for a birthday present. It's a start, but I have a long way to go.

When I sit and think about why this is, I have realized that my artwork gifting has nearly always happened when feeling strongly prompted and inspired to do so. Sure, I have drawn things for people I care very much about, but I hope that those who have not received anything from me don't feel unloved because of it. There have just been times when the urging and inspiration comes out of no where, and there's nothing I would rather do than get it done for a specific person who is placed on my heart.

Today's TBT drawing is one of those drawings. I had this friend a few years ago (we are still friends, just setting up the story), who had been an acquaintance of mine for over a year–we went to the same church, attended the same studies, had many of the same friends–but it wasn't until about 4 months before she and her family moved away that we really got to know each other and really connected. Such a frustrating thing to finally make a connection with someone just to say goodbye, but that's the military life, right? So, I knew she was leaving and we were going to have a going away dinner for her family. I was thinking about her and what she had come to mean to me, when it came to me, I want to do a drawing of her two precious girls! So, within the hour I began working feverishly to get the portraits done. For quick portraits like this, I almost always grab my micron pens. They do a great job.

This is Maylisa, the oldest of my friend's two (now three) daughters. Maylisa is one of those girls who learned to use complex sentences before she could walk and just astounds you with what comes out of her mouth. She's truly such a vibrant young girl, and such a hoot! I found this photo of her on her mother's Facebook page and added a little flair (the feathers) because it just seemed to fit her.