Molly is one of 8 grandchildren,  6 of whom I was commissioned  by their grandmother to paint for my 100 Faces Project.  This family has become especially meaningful to the series as I have 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 carries 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 while still capturing the likeness and personality that make the portrait uniquely hers.
Original acrylic portrait painting on panel, created as part of Kara Manza’s 100 Faces portrait series.