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Artist:

ortraits of children constitute a significant portion of the contemporary portrait market. We survey the enormous production in this field, eagerly watching for significant examples which rise above the norm. Regrettably, many of the army of painters active in this field turn out countless canvases which make no attempt to rise above the ordinary, content to conform to established norms. Occasionally, a painting comes along which raises the bar and sets a new, higher standard. One such painting is "Elizabeth on the Beach" by Steve Moppert. Yes, we have seen paintings of pretty little girls at the seashore before, but rarely with the unique authority of this handsome portrait. We must admit that what captures our attention immediately, and commands our admiration, is not the little girl at all, but the stunningly successful painting of the wet sand upon which she stands. Here the artist, with dazzling skill, has recorded his observations of the play of light over the glistening wet beach. Behind, the surf moves towards us in three successive waves, each one entirely different in formation and activity—and each recorded brilliantly with brush and paint.

In front of this brilliant display of nature, captured by the artist, our heroine confronts us in an impish pose. The entire face is seen in reflected light. The direct light of the sun, falling from the upper left, spills over the folds of the dress, and is rendered by the artist with skill and dexterity. The face, hands and arms of the child are marvels of draftsmanship, delicate coloring, captured in very subtle brushstrokes by a master painter.

The master stroke of this painting is the recording of the reflections in the wet sand of the feet and legs of the child. The observation and painting here are worthy of the great Spanish master Sorolla's famous paintings of children on the beach. J.H.S.

You can see a portfolio of Steven Moppert’s work at www.stevemoppert.com.