Artwork / Archives / 2018 / Sylvia (The Complete Package)

bust style portrait of a 90 year old white woman smiling and wearing glasses with peony flowers in the background
Gwenn Seemel
Sylvia (The Complete Package)
2018
acrylic on canvas
22 x 20 inches

The background of flowers in this painting is inspired by a conversation with the subject, like with the glory bower in this 2007 commissioned portrait. I like to add flowers to paintings where it makes sense, like here and here with poppies. There’s chamomile in this self-portrait, and the artichokes in this painting have a special meaning since they’re flowers that have hearts. To see the making of this portrait, check out my blog.