My daughter is one of my favorite models. I was taken by the ambiguous look in her eyes, suggesting but not further identifying an emotion involving doubt. With regard to artistic values, I was taken by the contrast of the paisley background – intricate, multichromatic in dulled hues – with the lustrous color of the model’s hair.

My daughter and I are very closely bonded, though distant geographically. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband (and Asha, their dog), so in person connection is far from regular. Then – Covid, for months completely shutting down any chance to fly in for a visit. Zoom is a remarkable and timely invention but is no substitute for a hug. I have missed my daughter daily and viscerally. Painting her portrait -- up close -- brought me close to her, if only in my mind, and gave me some solace.