While my wife and I were in line at a department store paying for a gift for our oldest daughter, we turned around, and there stood Kara, age 16, with her mother. After paying for our purchase, and walking past them by about ten steps, I told my wife, “I will kick myself, if I pass up this opportunity.” Her reply was, “If you must.” I did an about-face and began talking to Kara’s mom about my interest in painting her daughter. They promised to look into it, and I left them with my business card. Weeks went by, and then one day they both showed up at my front door, unannounced. After a hastily arranged photography session, I was inspired to do two paintings.
I had lit one side of Kara’s face with a purple light, which blent harmoniously with the background of magnolia blossoms I later chose. Looking up at her from a lower viewpoint emphasizes her beautiful features, especially her ear with its fine silver earring. The wisp of hair set loose by the breeze and its shadow falling across her cheek were lovely subtle touches.
The springtime flowers of the magnolia tree in all its glory, with the fragrance it suggests, blossom in contrast to the barren trees of old man winter. The song of a yellow-feathered visitor completes the background in which fragrance, motion, and music combine against the backdrop of a gray sky.
