Painting Ricky Take One

Ricky is my grand nephew (I don't know it that is the correct term for the son of my niece).  Without prejudice I can say he is an amazing child.  Of course I am not prejudiced but he really is terrific smart and fun.  

This is my first attempt at painting him  - just a practice. Here is what I learnt:

1. Nothing wrong with gessoing over an old painting but if you want the smooth skin of a child sand it down to avoid seeing the gesso brush strokes over the cheek.  
2. Any strong edge on the face looks like a wrinkle and turns a child into an old man - a creepy old man
3. Children's faces are weird after you are used to adults.  
4. Use a soft brush to avoid brush strokes
5. Lastly if your subject is a child drawing, it might make sense to include the crayon - just saying.

Ricky with an invisible crayon