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"From my days looking at and copying masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City I learned the method called 'premiere touche'. In particular, studying Velasquez, I realized that it was all right to show your technique in the finished work. By that I mean that the surface does not have to be perfectly smooth, but rather it can show the direction, thickness and speed of the brushstrokes. To me that emphasizes the drama and emotion that goes into the painting process as well as portraying the energy of the sitter. In this painting of this lovely dark haired, dark eyed child I tried to show her as vibrant and energetic." A.B.
This young girl is one of ten family members that were painted for a very appreciative family. N.M.S.