[Valerie Gudorf]

Linda,

This portrait is absolutely wonderful! I love everything about it. Your sister should be VERY pleased with what you've done. You've portrayed her as a gentle soul, thoughtful and sensitive. She is so lovely - and such a graceful, long neck. She gazes at you from the canvas as if quietly greeting a beloved friend. It puts the viewer at ease and a calm suffuses the entire work. Impressive!

I am amazed that this was photographed beneath a sky light. It looks as though the light were shining from a window on her left. There is no light reflecting off the top of her head, nor the shadows cast under the eyes that one might expect from a light source that is directly overhead. Please excuse my ignorance, but how did you do this?