Holding On To Hope

I painted this in oils, with a underpainting in acrylics blocking in my dark shapes and aqua background. When I painted the oils over the acrylics I scraped off some of the oils, revealing the under-colors, creating interesting edges. My inspiration came from the photo I shot in Nassau a number of years ago and I that knew someday I would paint it. I love the emotion I created by having her head facing away in the dark, implying that the odds may be against her to have a successful life, but she is holding on to hope regardless. Her sparky sandals are adorable!