Dear Jennifer,
Please look at the official White House portrait of President John F. Kennedy painted by Aaron Shikler.
Website --
http://www.homeofheroes.com/presidents/35_kennedy.html
I believe that Mrs. Kennedy chose Mr. Shikler to paint this portrait, and I remember the criticism at the time this portrait was unveiled. It was not in the "traditional style." However, over the years it has become the most thought-provoking and memorable of the Presidential portraits in the White House. Mr. Shikler also painted the official White House portraits of Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Nancy Reagan.
From time to time, artists are asked to paint posthumous portraits (such as President Kennedy's) or people with disabilities (your portrait of your friend's daughter). You said that you wanted to show her "intense concentration" and "her feeling of being detached from our world." You've succeeded in doing this in a very lovely way. Both Mr. Shikler's portrait of President Kennedy and your portrait of this young girl reach out beyond a physical likeness.
Best wishes to you,
Hybrid Mode
