About the artwork

This began as an artistic challenge to capture the delicate  coloring of a young Irish girl. However, as I continued painting, I became intrigued  with her wistful expression, and imagined she was contemplating what her future might hold.  I found myself smiling inwardly.  Such a wonderful optimism of the young, because at her age, all things are possible. Initially, I was excited to capture the subtle pastel tones of her complexion : the salmon blush in the reflected light of her cheek , the rosy lips, the violet cast shadow of her neck , and especially fun , the rich fiery russet red-gold of her hair , that looked like flames! But the longer I worked, the more important goal became replicating that hope-filled expression...the optimism and fearlessness of youth. There is a timeless quality to youth, almost in direct proportion to its fleeting nature.