Self-taught artist Carrie Preston makes a living painting personal scenes like "Dumbo" on clients' pregnant bellies. Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

Preston, whose painting sessions take about two hours, suggests that clients be around 32 to 36 weeks pregnant, which allows for a bigger belly "canvas." Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

Preston, who started her business at home as a way to stay close to her children, often paints bellies in three stages: the mother at 18 weeks, then 27 and, finally, 34 weeks. Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

Preston's art is intended to celebrate pregnancy and doubles as a way to relax clients. She says the brush strokes and sponges smooth their tight, stretched bellies. Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

Tractor Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

World Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

Pinocchio Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea

"Guess How Much I Love You," by Sam McBratney. Carrie Preston/My Little Sweet-pea