Portrait of Melisse

[Steve Moppert]

Chris,

Thanks so very much for the nice comments. Funny you should mention a change of clothing! That's exactly what I asked for when I saw the puff sleeves. I was concerned that this lovely girl looked like someone wearing soccer balls on her shoulders. However, it was her debutante gown and both mother and daughter insisted this was "the dress" for the portrait.

I decided that if I turned her sideways her shoulders wouldn't look so wide and, fortunately, it worked. I've always admired Zorn's white-on-white painting of Frances Folsom Cleveland (Mrs. Grover Cleveland) and considered this an opportunity to try my hand at it. I also wanted to give the impression that the subject was unposed and was gazing at the viewer as she passed through the room.

Again, thank you for your comments.
Steve