This is a study of one of the babies that live in the Francis Residence for mothers at CHiPS. I originally thought this would be for a smaller piece (hence the lines), but I really like how the lines create a frame that the halo breaks out of. 

As an artist, I'm interested in what creates the effect of holiness. It's a combination of expression, iconography, and context. In this case, we see the baby looking knowledgeably on, as if he has a secret. He's got the tell-tale halo, showing that he's holy, and he's a child of a single mother who has been taken in by an organization that is saint like. 

This piece is part of my exhibition – The Faces of CHiPS - What if God lived in Gowanus? – a series of studies and portraits of the people of CHiPS, a soup kitchen/residence that has served my neighborhood for 50 years. All proceeds from sales of paintings and prints will be donated to CHiPS to further their mission.

The Prints are Gorgeous.

The original is 11" x 14". The prints are beautiful accurate representations of the original, but with a 1" border on all sides. I use Hahnemuhle German Etching paper and print right to the edges. They look like etchings. The blacks are black, and the prints are virtually indistinguishable from the originals. Note: there are some faint pencil lines that are part of the image. You may decide to frame these out, buy I like them.