1999 The Age Of Seven Portrait Of Artists Son 36by62in Jeffrey T Larson

The painting presents a young boy standing on a beach, rendered in a realistic style with evident attention to texture and light. He appears to be approximately seven years old, his expression a complex mixture of seriousness and perhaps a touch of melancholy. The artist has chosen a vertical composition, emphasizing the figure’s presence against the expansive backdrop of the sea and sky.
The boy is barefoot, clad in what seems to be layered clothing: a simple shirt, an orange vest, and dark shorts. A bandana is tied around his head, adding a touch of playful rebellion or perhaps suggesting a makeshift disguise. He holds two wooden objects – likely airplane wings – across his chest, indicating a sense of imaginative play and aspiration. The details in the rendering of these objects suggest they are handmade, further reinforcing this notion of childhood creativity.
The beach itself is depicted with careful attention to detail; wet sand reflects the overcast sky, creating a muted color palette dominated by grays, blues, and earthy tones. The horizon line is relatively low, allowing for a significant expanse of sky that contributes to a feeling of openness and perhaps even solitude.
Subtleties in the boy’s posture and facial expression hint at deeper narratives. His gaze appears directed slightly downward, suggesting introspection or a quiet contemplation. Theres an air of vulnerability about him, accentuated by his bare feet and the somewhat disheveled nature of his attire. The setting – the beach – can be interpreted as a liminal space, representing transition and possibility.
The painting seems to explore themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and perhaps a sense of longing or quiet resilience. It is not merely a portrait but an exploration of character within a specific environment, inviting the viewer to consider the boy’s inner world and his place in the broader landscape. The year 1999 inscribed at the bottom suggests a particular moment in time, potentially adding another layer of personal significance for the artist.