A gentle smile, a quiet presence and a little moment of human connection.

Sometimes a chance encounter stays with us long after the moment has passed.

Portrait of a Lady is an original figurative abstract oil painting inspired by a woman I met and sketched while living in Vienna. There was something about her expression that caught my attention, a quiet warmth, a gentle smile, a sense of peaceful contentment.

I couldn't resist returning to my original ink drawing and allowing it to develop into a painting.

The result is an enigmatic portrait that moves between observation and imagination. The woman's features emerge through expressive colour and form, retaining something of the spontaneity of the original sketch while developing a character and presence of her own.

I have always been fascinated by people, by the stories written in their faces and the extraordinary individuality of every human being. A portrait is never simply a record of someone's appearance. It is an attempt to capture something of their inner life, something that cannot easily be put into words.

My paintings explore the space between the visible world and what I perceive with my inner eye. I begin with observation, but allow colour, intuition and imagination to lead me towards something beyond the purely physical.

Portrait of a Lady embodies this approach. Her gentle smile and peaceful expression invite you to pause, to wonder who she might be and perhaps to imagine a story of your own.

A painting that brings a little warmth, joy and quiet companionship into your home.

With its intimate proportions and expressive character, this original artwork is particularly suited to a cosy corner, a reading nook or a place where you would welcome a friendly face.

After all, isn't it lovely to have someone smiling at you?

Artwork details

• Title: Portrait of a Lady

• Original artwork: One of a kind

• Medium: Oil on European linen canvas

• Dimensions: 46 × 40 cm (height × width)

• Presentation: Unframed, ready to hang with string attached at the back

• Canvas: European linen with traditional hand-nailed edges

• Style: Contemporary figurative abstract and expressionist portrait

• Inspiration: An observational ink drawing made in Vienna

• Artist: Sibylle Laubscher

• Collection: Inner Eye Abstractions

• Created: Entirely by hand in Switzerland

Collection and shipping

If you are interested in this piece, do not live in Switzerland, contact me and we can sort out transport to you.