Ballet School
17" X 30" oil on linen

Available from the studio
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This is my daughters Sarah, at age four. For a time, she attended ballet classes. This was one of those typical parental attempts to get her involved and exposed to new experiences, and perhaps some culture. You know ... like those piano lessons. She was quite shy, and ballet was her first exposure to the spotlight. We’ve encouraged her involvement in a number of on-stage activities. She always does a good job, but doesn’t thrill at the experience. Oh well ... its Hollywood’s loss. I guess I’ll have to keep painting for a living.

Sarah, who is now nine, is becoming her own person. She’s developing those interests that speak to her and is taking pride in her accomplishments. She’s starting to develop that critical self-respect. I still remember my first experiences with achievement and recognition. They are so important to the development of character and confidence. Sarah’s life is very different from mine at age nine. Her responsibilities, as the sister of a sibling with special needs, compel her to often be a care giver as well as best friend . She carries that obligation gracefully and well. I’m so proud of her.

Its a daunting prospect to be responsible for the development of another person. The obligation to get it all right is a heavy one. It’s a responsibility you prepare for and accept from the moment you learn that you are to be a father. My children now live separately from me. It’s an uncomfortable experience to be compelled to guide them, but to not be present for much of their lives. You can’t just turn it off, and that compulsion seeps into my work.

I think that letting go is something every parent goes through, and I doubt that anyone is ever prepared for it, no matter when or how it comes.   Mark Heine