The Enchantress was conceived during a performance of a young violist and pianist, both alumni of the Perlman Music Program. This is an organization that teaches the best young string musicians from all over the world, under the guidance and tutelage of Izhak Perlman. I have been privileged to attend many practice concerts and performances of these young musicians and was so inspired by the transformation I witnessed of one violist, Molly Carr, who changed from a sweet, mild-mannered young lady, telling the audience about the stories behind the

stories behind the pieces she was going to play, into an intense, wild, passionate  gypsy. My idea formed of paint a large oul of her and also producing an edition of prints to be sold to benefit the program. A group of pencil sketches served the basis of the painting and I was given the chance to photograph her playing before another concert.

I chose to paint her in a gypsy-inspired costume and placed her in a strange, fantastic forest, where her wild playing conjures up the magical spirits of the wood, spiraling around to become the music as they cross her bow.

The painting will be on display at the Dabbert Gallery, beginning December 2nd, 2016. The  36x24 inch canvas prints prints will be on sale at the gallery and  directly through the Perlman Music Program Suncoast,  941-350-2338. The archival prints are limited to 500 prints on canvas and are priced at $400 for a stretched print or $350 for a rolled print. All proceeds from the prints go to benefit the Perlman Music Program.