Nellijas Darkēvičas portrets. 1970

Guntis Strupulis painted "Nellijas Darkēvičas portrets" with what looks like oil on canvas; the date is unknown. The way Strupulis lays down the paint, it feels like he’s building up the form with these gentle, almost blurred strokes. It’s less about a perfect likeness and more about capturing a feeling, an essence. Looking closely, especially at her face, you can see how the colors blend into each other, creating soft transitions, particularly around the cheeks. The paint isn’t heavy or textured. It's smooth, almost like he’s trying to hide the work that went into it. Then there's her eyes, which are dark and intense, like she is looking right through you. Those eyes remind me of Alice Neel, whose portraits also have that raw, honest gaze. Ultimately, Strupulis' piece reflects how art often leaves space for the viewer, allowing us to bring our own experiences and perspectives to the table.