Every year I participate in a local art sale that benefits a private girls school.  I have had to think hard for ways to make my art work for me in this tough economy.  Many people buy art because it has a special emmotional attachment. Whether it is a painting of their childhood home, their favorite vista or their most precious children, the buyer is attracted to what is near and dear to the heart. I have been doing sketches of these teens for years, but this year I got wise.  The school sent out a blast e-mail for me asking the parents if they would want an informal sketch of their children in the beautiful school setting.  I met them at the school,  took photos and found I actually enjoyed working from photo.  I tried to capture their natural gestures whether just chatting or braiding their hair. Some showed up with friends and I painted a few figures in one painting.   The parents set them aside and  will give the paintings to graduating seniors.   Every commission sold, I love adding something special to people's lives!  If you want to capture a fleeting moment in your child's life , send me a photo and I will give it a go!www.dorispector.com  dcspector@aol.com