Odette

About the work

I painted this portrait because I was drawn to the quiet expression in her face. I wanted to keep the painting loose and honest rather than make it feel overly polished. The ribbons in her hair, the soft colours and the light on her face are what first caught my attention. I enjoyed working with the contrast between the darker hair and the pale background, and letting some of the brushwork remain visible. I hope the painting offers the viewer a quiet moment to contemplate, and lose themselves in the stillness of her gaze.