The proper study of mankind is man (Alexander Pope).
Catherine Staveley is interested in depicting her fellow human beings with an especial interest in children. I was rather afraid of babies until I had a family of my own. Now I have difficulty in not always talking to any passing child. I find watching children in their own worlds particularly interesting. When our three grew up and were no longer so willing to sit for me I began painting portraits of other people's children' not so much as portraits but as genre paintings with the children engaged in an activity. Being a grandmother means I have even more opportunities to paint children now but I still like taking commissions and seeing others.
