The Laugh (Miller)

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 14×18 Acrylic Dec 2022

I’ve painted many, many smiles but never a laugh – so, that was the challenge with this sweet missionary. A smile and a grimace are kissing cousins and I certainly wanted the former and not the latter. You can look at the progress photos and see it develop.

Here is a photo of us with her holding the final portrait. There’s also a photo of just her.

Here are five photos showing the painting as it went from early sketch through layers of paint.