Jeanne Kouhestani: I’ve always loved creativity in all its forms but was especially drawn to painting at an early age. So how did I end up with a degree in journalism instead of fine art? Who knows? Art was put on hold in college and through years of jobs, marriage, and motherhood. But I always knew deep down that when fate presented itself, I would pick up that paintbrush again.

And I have. Along with gray hair, retirement has brought me considerable opportunity to take art classes and develop into a serious artist. A decade ago, I painted a picture of my mother and our dog from a photo I had taken in college. And I was hooked! I have focused on painting portraits since then and I absolutely love it. There is so much beauty and character and, yes, soul, in the human face and it is a joy when it all comes together in a painting. Children are especially fun to paint, and I’ve had plenty of practice painting my two young grandsons, among others. I am currently a member of the Williamsburg Portrait Guild, the Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center, and the Portrait Society of America.