SKU: p0638

Portraits of Childhood - -Butterfly Magic- by Thornton Utz. Premier Plate in this collection. Fine china by Viletta,1981. Plate size approx 8.5 inches. Suggested Retail $50.00

-Butterfly Magic- has caused quite a stir in Naples, Florida, where the original painting is on display. Many people have contacted the artist, claiming that they themselves resembled the little girl in the painting when they were younger. It seems her expression is one that many people relate to, and, one that keeps the eyes of the viewer literally glued to the canvas — a child Mona Lisa.

The manner in which distinguished portraitist Thornton Utz approaches his subjects accounts for a large measure of his success. The artist prefers to work from photographs of his models, capturing different expressions from many angles. He uses a 35 mm camera for still photos, and. has recently began using a video camera to watch his subjects in action – -doing everything they do normally.- He finds each has -his or her own quirks ... habits .. pleasures ... delights – all the things that make us individuals!-

Thornton Utz asks questions about his subjects before deciding how to paint them, and, finds that this helps for a more meaningful -end result.- A good example is his portrait of Princess Grace of Monaco. Utz found that one of the things the princess likes to do best is walk, so he portrayed her serene highness walking in a wintry setting around her palace – a painting that greatly pleased the princess.

Amazingly enough. Thornton Utz has only recently began painting children. One day a few years ago while judging an art show, a man approached the artist with a request to do portraits of his grandchildren. Utz politely refused. He did not want to paint traditional cherubic children -with folded hands.- But the man persisted, and, finally persuaded the artist to photograph his children -any way you like.- These last four words did the trick. Thornton Utz took picture upon picture of these little ones. A girl with her back turned, enjoying an ocean breeze ... and others in natural, -real life- activities. He finally finished the project after painting 14 portraits and discovering that he very much enjoyed child subjects. Thornton Utz has been painting children ever since.

-Butterfly Magic- is the first annual plate in the -Portraits of Childhood- collection by Thornton Utz. The lines and colors of the original painting have been faithfully transferred onto transluscent, flawless Viletta china and rimmed in pure 24 karat gold – a beautiful touch!

A special note: At the time this issue reaches you. the little girl portrayed on the plate will receive her own edition. She knows nothing about the portrait, and will hopefully be as delighted and pleased as you with -Butterfly Magic.-