Gabriella

[Alexandra Tyng]

This is a commissioned portrait I recently completed.
Gabriella, 34" x 54", oil on linen

[Allan Rahbek]

Alex,
What a fresh and direct portrait of the little girl. It's interesting how you let her pose in her own way on a "Sargent" background.

[Linda Brandon]

Oh Alex, I do like this strong brushwork very much! It really reinforces the sassiness of this painting - and what a wonderful slump on that foot.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Allan and Linda,

Thanks for your comments! The "Sargent" background was for the client, her grandmother. I've already done portraits of her other five grandchildren over a period of 10 or so years, and she wanted the portraits to all go together. It just seemed natural for this one. I think it needed the simplicity.

Linda, glad you like the brushwork, and that you see the "sassiness." This little girl is quite a personality. While I was taking pictures she entertained me and everyone there with funny stories, hand gestures, comical faces, the works. Her parents weren't sure this pose would really express her personality. I thought it might give just a hint of it, without being too posed or theatrical. At least that was what I hoped.

[Tom Edgerton]

Love the feeling of atmosphere and air around her!

Best--TE

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thanks, Tom--glad you see atmosphere and air around her, because I've just been blabbing about those things on the forum and actions speak louder than words

[Alexandra Tyng]

Here are some details of other parts of the portrait:

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Great edges!

[Alexandra Tyng]

Bonfim, thanks--I really appreciate your comment!

[Lacey Lewis]

Great painting! I never would've thought to paint a girl in such an outfit, but it adds so much to the personality of the painting. It's just one of the many things that make your paintings unique, and thus they win awards!