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