Gestational Belly Art is the hottest thing to hit the world of expectant parenthood in years! This art form of celebrating the new life within is a wonderful, life long experience that culminates in the addition of a photograph of the final painted product, in essence a “living tribute” to hang in the nursery of the new arrival for all to admire! How does it work?

     Expectant Moms are encouraged to lie on a bed or a couch for this experience, as it is a very relaxing and comfortable transition time for Mom and the artist. Some expectant dads like to provide soothing music, candles, and scent during this time to further relax Mom and to provide for a unique shared experience for the family.

1. The artist will sit down with the expectant parents to discuss the theme of the art to be painted and in what month the painting should take place (the further along the better). The parents can choose the venue they prefer for this experience. This intimate service can take place at a baby shower, in the home with Dad and the other kids present, just with Mom and the artist, or just the Dad or the grandparents too!..Whatever the couple would like!

2. Once the venue is chosen, the parents then choose a theme. Let’s say it is "Winnie the Pooh" (generally parents will choose the theme of the nursery for their selection).The artist will discuss with the parents the particular book and/or character(s) they have in mind. Once the parents to be have made their selection, the artist will create one or two renditions of the art she sees in her mind’s eye for their approval.

3. Once the art has been approved, the artist will then meet with the expectant Mom (often times expectant Moms would like to have the siblings present). In this case we also make ourselves available to paint the siblings in the same motif for the photo session so they too can be in the photo with the new baby. The session can take from one and one half hours to two hours.

     Expectant Moms are encouraged to wear soft black pregnancy pants, and a black sports bra. The area around the belly is "blacked out" with high quality water based paint (unless a full torso painting is required). At the end of the artistic session, the artist will photograph the art work. Mom will have many photos taken by the artist that will be appropriate. The Dad is also encouraged to photograph if he likes. There are many beautiful ways to photograph this experience for the family that will be as beautiful in album form as the day of the wedding itself!