Young Native American Girl Portrait in Miniature

I was in the mood for some color a few days ago, after painting so many earth tones in my wildlife paintings, so I started on this little piece, which is now nearly complete.  This is a smaller miniature, only around 4×6 in, of a young Native American girl in full costume.  I loved the glow of light, fine seed beading in her jacket and jewelry, and the satiny feel of her blouse.  …and such vivid color! :)

I used to do a number of portraits here or there when I worked in looser watercolors some time ago.  ….and growing up, that was for a time, exclusively what my mother, Karen, did as an artist.  More recently I have been drawn to painting them after my mother and I were commissioned by the Butler Institute of American Art to paint portraits for their US Presidents miniatures permanent collection.  I’ve found that I love the textures and color that I can work with in a human portrait in watercolor.  ….and so far, the smaller size I’ve chosen to format them fits well also (just a little break from solid fur or feathers :) ).