Painting people allows me to capture the essence of a subject in a way that a photograph sometimes can’t. I love the challenge of bringing out the unique character and emotion of each person, preserving those moments that pass far too quickly. There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a photo—especially when the expression is perfect but the rest of the image doesn’t quite do it justice—into a timeless keepsake. Each portrait I create is a way of memorializing those special moments, turning them into lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come..

Portraits by Elly Bates