The Archer

Sophia had sat for Jeff's students and for one of his demonstrations, but he felt there was another painting of her to discover. Conversation, ideas, and studies gradually brought its direction into focus. Her lively intelligence and a sense of possibilities still unchosen suggested the image of an archer.

Jeff developed that association through a bow, a quiver, and the idea of a target not yet found. Dark wool against pale skin and the tension before release gave it a visual form. The Archer holds the searching quality he perceived at that time, without deciding where her aim would eventually lead.