TANYA GRIFFIOEN

TANYA GRIFFIOEN

Tanya uses her grandchildren as willing subjects.

First in line is sweet grandbaby Grady. The sweetness and innocence of sleeping babies make Tanya smile, so with the photo of Grady in hand, she decided to make a composite. Inspired by Thomas Sully’s “Child Asleep (Rosebud),” Tanya found just the right bed and window to compliment her precious grandson.

Most children don’t think they’re lucky to have a photographer in the family, but it’s when the camera comes out that Jozie especially enjoys time with Grandma. While practicing using a grid to draw, Tanya decided to use the Turp brushes to make a bust portrait. Since Jozie loves zebra print, Tanya knew it had to be included.

Rounding out the paintings is her grandson, Gavin. After finding a baby bird and a destroyed nest, he took it upon himself to care for it. He kept her warm and fed, sharing the delight with his sisters. There were many laughs shared when it matured to flying around the house. The charcoal brushes burned this memory into their minds, but the bird’s return to the children’s hands each spring keeps it in their hearts.