Once upon a time, I felt inspired to paint Sofi Oksanen, the latest Finnish author to win the prestigious Finlandia Prize. Not only is she a goth chick, she also has interesting features. Her apparently nonchalant basic expression conceals an intelligent, idealistic and thoughtful woman. I haven’t read any of her books, but I plan to. My wild guess is they didn’t hand out that prize to her for nothing.

Long shory stort, she’s fully deserving of a portrait. One painted by me, now that’s a whole another matter. But doesn’t stop me from trying.

I knew from the start that it wasn’t going to end well. I was more anxious to paint anything, rather than Sofi and Sofi alone. I decided I’m too lazy to go for as perfect resemblance as I can, which basically means my whole heart wasn’t in it. Thusly, I started hating the painting long before I got to the point it is at now.

But since it’s Sofi, I must say there are some minor things I like about the painting. I like the scarlet around the eyes and eyebrows, and the salmon-y hue on the chin and the right temple contrasting against the white skin. I like scarlet and salmon a lot.

Other than that, this painting was a disappointing attempt. I shall paint it over some day and make another attempt, or it will haunt me forever with is accusing eyes.