I painted this portrait of Danielle at Nine Years while she sat for me in August of 2010. She didn't move at all for three hours in this very beautiful pose. This seemingly simple pose was her choice. However, she didn't realize what was easy for her to hold for a minute or two would be very difficult and almost impossible by the end of the session. After all, she was used to contorting in ballet steps and poses. But she had never held on for more than a minute or two.