How muses arise through the artistic process, and when the inspiration begins in the mind of an artist, is, at least to me, a bit of a mystery; likely every artist will have a different answer if asked. For me, our youngest daughter has slowly and increasingly become fodder for so much of my art. She’s slightly mysterious, wise beyond her years, and her gestures and postures just beg to be put to a canvas. The following painting is inspired by her, and the tones of the colors are meant to contain the depths and areas of mystery behind her eyes, when she turns her head, etc. I also am so inspired by the cubist movement, and used a slight two-plane model of angles for her face to show the different sides of this woman, who has become her own person on the canvas. Also, women hold much mystery and grace as we move through the world. Like a willow tree, the branches are many and cover the core. Only after removing branch after branch, does one see the trunk of the tree. Here, if I am successful, the interplay of pattern is used to trick the eye into only seeing a face until one takes a closer look; more than at first meets the eye.

Accepted into The Old Court House Art Center “Real People 2021” juried show. Over 420 pieces submitted for consideration. This piece was one of 80 selected across many media. Show is open from July 1 - July 31 in Woodstock, Illinois.