Another Fabulous Vintage Silhouette Portrait

I seem to have a trend starting with vintage portraits these days and I have to say I really love it.

My neighbor recently asked me to create a portrait from an old photograph she had of herself and her three brothers. It is such an adorable photo but I was a bit apprehensive because of the shadows and blurryness of the original. I wasn't sure that I would be able to show the characteristics of their faces in a silhouette well enough, but I gave it my best.

 And here is the result:

I learned something wonderful from this experience. As I was sketching and painting and seeing all of the abstract shapes take form up close I was having trouble grasping the idea that it would be recognizable as people; but when I stepped back from my work and looked again it was incredible how it came to life.

Reminded me of my life: being too close to the messy details I can often feel confused and lost; but if I just have faith and step back to look at the big picture it's incredible the beauty that is being formed.