Molly is one of eight grandchildren, six of whom I was commissioned by their grandmother to paint for my 100 Faces Project. This family has become especially meaningful to the series. I previously painted Molly’s cousins, sisters Cile and Millie Steward, whose portraits were completed and presented with great affection to the Steward family last fall. Cile’s portrait now holds an added poignancy following her tragic loss in the Camp Mystic flood.
There is something irresistible about painting a joyful face, and Molly’s radiant smile immediately drew me into this portrait. Her bright expression, luminous eyes, and long blonde hair gave me the opportunity to play with warm skin tones, cooler blues, and loose, visible brushwork—all while capturing the likeness and personality that make this portrait uniquely Molly.