A Gaze That Holds You

Girl with a Lotus began in 2020 — and even in her earliest form, she stopped people in their tracks. When Désirée shared a work-in-progress on social media, a collector reached out the moment he saw the painting, wanting to bring her home. That response said everything, he said it gave him calm and serenity. And it now lives with him.

In the time since, Désirée has continued to deepen the painting — refining the color story of the face, strengthening the shadows and lights — until she became what she is now: Désirée’s favorite of her three figurative portraits. The level of realism is striking; nearly every person who sees her in person says she looks like a photograph. And yet she is entirely painted — every shadow, every highlight, every whisper of light on skin rendered by hand in oil on wood panel.

It is the softness of her gaze that holds you. The quiet confidence of a young Vietnamese woman in a traditional conical hat, holding a lotus bloom — a symbol of purity, grace, and spiritual beauty.

Oil on wood panel. 11” × 14”. Completed April 2026. Signed by the artist. This original has been sold. Limited edition prints are available.

Part of the Zen Collection. Available as an Unframed Fine Art Paper Print, Framed Fine Art Paper Print, or Canvas Print.