This image is one of my favorite paintings by Bessie.
When I was a child my grandmother gave Bessie's painting of baby to my mother and it hung in my bedroom for much of my childhood. I loved her work as long as I can remember.

Born on April 6, 1876, Bessie Pease GutmannŽ developed her natural talent early in life at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. She was influenced by the "Brandywine School" of illustrators then prevalent in the Philadelphia area and such masters as Howard Pyle, Maxfield Parrish, and N.C. Wyeth. Her instructors included Robert Henri and William Merritt Chase.

Gutmann's paintings of children were very popular in both the United States and abroad. She did not do simple portraits; instead she used her subjects to convey expressions, positions, and attitudes. Her art shows great detail and expression and clearly demonstrates her ability to capture the spirit and life of her subjects.

Gutmann's career spanned nearly five decades. It was not until the 1950's that failing eye-sight forced her to stop painting. Today Gutmann is best remembered as the portrayer of children, and interest in the artist's work has never waned.