Portrait of Bailee 2016

Aaron Nagel made this dreamy-eyed portrait of Bailee using oil paint, with a palette that’s like a whisper of color. It feels like he's feeling his way through the paint, letting the process guide him. Looking closely, you can see how the paint is built up in layers, especially around her eyes and the subtle blush on her cheeks. It's not about hiding the brushstrokes, but letting them blend into this soft, almost blurred reality. Notice the way the light catches her face, how it's both there and not there, creating this feeling of fleeting beauty. It reminds me a bit of Lucian Freud, but with a gentler touch. Ultimately, Nagel’s portrait invites us into a space of quiet contemplation. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to shout to be heard; sometimes, the most powerful statements are made in hushed tones.