Odette

Odette was painted in honor of the most formative female role model in my life. She was not my mother by blood, but she mothered me in every way that counted.

She taught me patience. She taught me how to use my hands—how to knit, sew, create. The cardigan worn in this painting is a tribute to the kind of projects we’d do together. They would take forever, but she wouldn’t let me give up. She’d kick my butt (lovingly) until I finished.

She was the reason I blossomed artistically. She would take me to the art store—my version of a candy shop—and tell me: “Buy everything you need.” From my first set of 100 Prismacolor pencils to dry pastels, she gave me freedom to try it all, never mind if I moved on to something else later. She made sure I had the tools to explore.

She sacrificed so much for me. I was her golden child—the one she would never have.

Odette is strong, centered, and self-reliant. She doesn’t need a man around—she can do it all herself. She listens to Joe Dassin on repeat, sees the world through La Vie en Rose, and carries the kind of elegance you don’t find often anymore.

Don’t cross her—she barks (but never bites).

It was a privilege to paint Odette. And it is a joy to share her with the world.