Cambodian Badge (Holman)

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 14×18 Acrylic Oct 2021

This young sister missionary was assigned to Tacoma, Washington, to work primarily in the Cambodian-speaking branch of the Church. She was temporarily in our town and I offered to paint her portrait. I found her quite a challenge, and I don’t mean the dress, which was tedious but not all that difficult. She had very young and soft skin that was difficult to capture. Her badge, with its Cambodian lettering, was also difficult, but she could read it, so that was good.

I didn’t think it was worth trying to paint a realistic background, so I just painted a suggestion of the yard. Below is a photo of her holding her painting. She was very excited to get it. She liked the hair and was amazed at the jumper.

Below are four photos of the portrait as it developed from sketch to painting.