Little Red-Headed Girl

@whole_4304 My first painting commission!  I've been dying to show you guys, but I thought the person for whom it was painted should see it first.  We met up today & I'm so happy that she loved it.
Face_1375 I was asked to paint something on the topic of "new love", which felt like an inspiring topic to me.
Basket_1370 The idea for the little basket of hearts came as I was falling asleep one night.  I don't know what it symbolizes exactly.  Maybe that's her reserve of love & optimism?

If the dress looks familiar, it's because I liked how this one turned out so well that it became the inspiration for the small version I posted a few days ago.  (This one is 12×12".)
Table_1368 One funny thing…the girl in the painting totally has my current hair color & cut!  She wasn't meant to be a self-portrait at all, but one of my friends pointed out the hair similarity & green eyes (which I also have).  Maybe it was my subconscious mind hoping for "new love" too!  🙂