Bretta was in a class of mine when I was a student teacher at Walnut Hills high school. She was very nice and a very good student; but honestly, I loved her brassy red hair. I’m always amazed at how a simple color, found in our natural world, can be so intriguing. It may seem strange, but just the color of one’s hair or the shape of a person’s nose can inspire, in an artist, the desire to record them. Most of the people I have painted or who are depicted in the classical paintings I admire, just have interesting faces. I think it’s the same with actors. Bill Murray is neither the funniest nor the best actor; but something about his face, his expression, makes it impossible for me to look away when he’s on screen.
This painting was left in the acrylic stage for over two decades. I will be posting it again once it is completely finished. I have repainted the flesh tones with oils but I’m actually leaning towards decorating the background with gold leaf; because I think the red of the gold would look so striking against the reds of her hair.
I have no idea where Bretta is or what she has done with her life. But what is crazy to me is that this young woman is probably forty years old now. Which makes me…well, just old. I’d better finish this piece soon.

Acrylic and Oil on Canvas Board 11” x 14”

1999/2023