“I love painting kids because of their unpredictability. The key is to go with the reality they create in a situation and not to worry even if things start getting messy,” advises Morgan Weistling. “'Curious Emily' may not have been the initial concept of the piece, but a child’s curiosity is a powerful thing. My intention was to have the young girl interact with a bowl of peaches. Instead, she found some of the set dressing items I had placed around her far more fascinating. By following her lead, I ended up with a better painting.”

Achieving popular appeal and critical acclaim is no simple task for any artist. Weistling is regarded as one of the finest figurative painters today. His combination of technical prowess and acuity for capturing the nuances of the human spirit are what sets his art apart from others. "Curious Emily" is a prime example of why Morgan is held in such high regard.