Mark Livingston, age 16, of Santa Rosa, Calif., for his question:

WHO PAINTED THE FAMOUS 'BLUE BOY'?

One of the most famous paintings in the world is a huge oil painting of a young man dressed in a fancy blue suit. The painting is called "The Blue Boy" and it was painted in 1770 by Thomas Gainsborough, one of the greatest British painters. The official name of the painting, however, is "Master Jonathan Buttall."

Color reproductions of "The Blue Boy" are scattered in all parts of the world.

Gainsborough's portraits were intentionally flattering to the person who was posing, which was the custom in his day. He lived from 1727 to 1788. He showed an early talent for drawing and painting and at 14 went to London to study painting.

He was a great success among the fashionable people who paid him well for his work. He also painted portraits of King George III and the royal family.

Much of "The Blue Boy" was painted by candlelight. The artist delighted in the play of light and shade on silk and velvet.

Gainsborough in 1768 was invited to become a founding member of the Royal Academy.