This portrait was inspired by lesson #14 by Muriel Stegers in the Let’s Face It class. Although it deviates quite a bit from the lesson, it definitely got its beginnings there. I worked with a different palette for the flesh tones, influenced in part by Muriel’s color choices. My portraits usually have a wistful appearance which for me expresses the sadness I feel over recent family losses, the tragedies occurring almost daily across the world, and the seemingly insurmountable hatred that people have for each other. There is a yearning in her expression for peace.