Original artwork description:

Although I am aware that the Amish do not like to have photos taken of themselves, because it goes against their beliefs about committing the biblical sin of pride, I felt painting this young boy using very little facial detail, that I wasn't violating these people beliefs. What I read while I was researching this, is that as long as their faces are not recognizable or they are not posing, (a definite breach of their faith), they do not object. Meaning that as long as they are being photographed by many amateur, as well as professional photographers and tourists...in what they consider to be a part of a natural setting, rather than being exploited in the usual way that has been inflicted upon them for decades. Many Amish have expressed that this amounts to being treated as a "zoo-like" exhibit, which understandably must be very distasteful to them.

I adored the wonderful textures I found in his clothing, such as the folds in his cotton shirt, as well as the creases in his trousers...which were highlighted in the abundant sunlight. Painting this scene was an immensely enjoyable experience for me.

The edges of this gallery-wrapped canvas have been painted white, so it is able to be mounted on the wall unframed.

Reference photo: Bonnie Sitter ~ pmp-art (website)

Materials used:

oil paint, linseed oil (painting medium)

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