Becky, the Artist’s Wife, with Orange Hair Band, Reading
1968, Watercolor on paper

“This watercolor painting is a portrait of my wife Becky. With watercolor, everything is slightly transparent. Her facial expression is meditative as her hands hold an open book. She is wearing a bright gown, and a red band runs through her hair. There are dramatic areas of contrast in this painting. Her light complexion stands out against her dark hair and colorful outfit. The boldness of the book and her hand emphasize the softness in her face. It is an intimate portrait- she is almost withdrawing, relaxed and quiet here, and I think the painting captures this quietness.”