A bit of a rose colored painting

I approached this portrait with the intention of capturing both the quiet resilience and layered identity that resonates here in Taos, New Mexico. I began by blocking in a warm underpainting, allowing the gentle earth tones of the high desert to seep through. Her braided hair, arranged simply, represents a shared sense of tradition that echoes among many women of mixed heritage in this region—Hispanic, Indigenous, and other cultures interwoven.

The turquoise background and her jewelry are nods to the vibrant palette that often defines the Southwest, and I used broad, loose brushstrokes to reflect the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The shawl draped around her shoulders is meant to convey both warmth and a cultural connection: a piece of clothing passed down through generations, a source of comfort and personal history. Its soft pink and coral hues blend into the composition, reflecting the subtle merging of different cultures that shape many people’s experiences here in Taos.

In her expression, I sought to convey the steadfast, self-assured spirit that emerges from a life shaped by multiple traditions. She looks out at us calmly but resolutely—an embodiment of womanhood in a place where old and new ways of life continually intersect. Through careful attention to the delicate play of light across her face and the layering of colors in the shawl, I aimed to celebrate the resilience and grace of women who carry stories from diverse backgrounds, all woven together in a single figure.