20 Mesmerizing Portraits By Jocelyn Hobbie That Explore Modern Femininity

As she shares in an interview with DeMilked, “I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember, so it feels more like a natural journey than a conscious choice. I work with oil paints and fine sable brushes on canvas, applying multiple layers to achieve the glowing effect I aim for. My goal is to create pieces that feel both ripe and fresh, with figures and plants that embody strength and delicacy at the same time.”

Hobbie’s work is known for its layered complexity, where she combines invented patterns, faces, clothing, and flowers into a cohesive, lush composition. “There’s a lot of invention in my work; I make up patterns, faces, clothing, flowers,” she explains. This process results in portraits that feel organic yet designed, offering an experience that is both sensuous and deliberate. Her work aims to be “delightful, sensuous, solidly intentional and crisp.”

A defining feature of Hobbie’s work is her focus on women. “For quite some time, my focus has been on women, though I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it’s because I relate to them as a woman myself.” Her portraits invite viewers to interpret the emotions and thoughts of her female subjects, with meanings that remain open and flexible. Hobbie is intrigued by how her work resonates with people, leaving space for personal interpretations of the portrayed women. “I’m often intrigued by how viewers interpret the emotions and thoughts of my female subjects, as I prefer to leave their meanings open to interpretation.”

Check out some of her brilliant works below.

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