"When we are born we cry that we are come
To this great stage of fools."

The Laughing Boy -

A painting by Frans Hals.

I really like the way he left his strokes very loose and spontaneous. I love the way he captured the spirit of the little boy and did not try to pretty him up.

I've been busy with some portraiture commissions. It's been great getting to know the people I'm painting and becoming part of their lives, if only for a while. It's been very enlightening to meet so many diverse people.

It's been a great year, I hope yours has been great too. Here's to an even brighter future!