“Photos by loved ones reveal micro-expressions not seen in traditional portraits. In fine art, photo references are frowned upon. However, as David Hockney explored in Secret Knowledge, Rediscovering the lost techniques of the Old Masters, from the 15th century Western painters used projection tools, which evolved into the camera. I think the sense of energy and life force in an artwork is imbued by the artist’s imagination, not method.”

– Hazel Dooney, 2025