Painting portraits. Expectations and storytelling.

My name is Xanthe Wyse.
Have a fan going, as it's mid-summer. You might notice a whooshing sound.
I realised when I watched back this video that I was a bit stressed. But I wanted to express some thoughts about painting portraits (which I only do occasionally).
Sharing some portrait paintings (acrylics on canvas). One, recently completed, other than varnish. Haven't decided whether I will use semigloss or gloss varnish.
It's called 'Rainbow Magic', a phrase by the girl who was the model for it.
Need to take some photos of it first.
I think portraits are one of the most challenging subjects to paint, followed by complex architecture. In addition to being technically challenging (especially proportions and skintones) there is the added expectation and judgement from others. Whether it is enough of a likeness to the model or not.
I paint as a form of therapy. Also to tell stories.
In this particular painting, no political statements were intended. It was about capturing joy.