#59 Ricky- One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                              Ricky
"Music is important to me, not just listening, I like to write it.  My hope for the future is to study music.  How it can effect people psychologically I find very interesting. My advice to other teens is to think things through a bit more and be kinder to other people."

#58 Brianna -One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                           "Brianna"

(Advice for other teens) "Know what's important to you, work at what you want, and love with all of your heart and you will have no regrets." (Most difficult issue teens are faced with today) "I think teens feel like they have to live up to ridiculous standards that are nearly impossible to reach."


I loved painting Brianna.  There was something about her look that was timeless and very calm, and I tried to catch that feeling in my painting. Sometimes painting feels like meditation, and this was one of those times. On these occasions, I am reminded what a privilege it is to have to opportunity to paint.

#57 Melissa- One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                             "Melissa"

(What do you think teenagers are really concerned about) "Today many teenagers are materialistic about every aspect of their lives.  I believe teenagers today are more selfish than generous, and are concerned about having friends." (Advice for other teens) "...Always think about others.  This is what parents have said since teenagers were children.  However, when you do something for someone else, it will have a domino effect and will also make you feel good... Helping others is an important aspect of my everyday life.  I know that sometimes the smallest of things can help others or make them feel good."

#56 Amelia- One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                          "Amelia"

Sometimes when a model comes in,  I am not sure how I am going to paint them. I wasn't sure about her sweater color, it was a very bright kelly green, but then I choose a teal background fabric, and I really loved the way the cool colors seemed to just come out of her skin tones in contrast. When in doubt I try to just jump in and move from there, making adjustments if necessary, rather than procrastinate at the beginning. Things flow more easily that way.

#55 Quinn - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                           "Quinn"

(Advice for other teens) "Learn from yesterday, live for today, and hope for tomorrow."  (Most difficult issue teens are faced with..) "Trying to fit in, but if you stop caring what others think of you, and be your own person you can be respected for that."


I encourage all of the teens posing for this project to wear whatever they want; I want them to present themselves the way they want the world (or me) to see them. I did ask Quinn if he could push his hair back, so we could see a little more of his face, but he insisted that he always wears it combed forward. I am happy with the way the painting came out, it feels very intimate to me.  

#54 Elli - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                            "Elli"

(Things that are important to you) "Education!  Most people in the world are uneducated; some willfully ignorant, and others unable to learn.  The government needs to stop making budget cuts in anything education related." (Advice for other teens) "Learn not to be vengeful.  An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind."