It was an honor to create this commissioned portrait of Elena, a published children’s book illustrator whose work reflects her own creativity and imagination. She trusted me with carte blanche to interpret her photograph and develop the portrait in my own Pop Art style.

I wanted the painting to reflect Elena as an artist while also suggesting the possibilities still ahead of her. Her sunglasses, flowing hair, and red shirt give the portrait a confident modern presence, while the dandelion-inspired flowers represent change, creativity, and looking toward the future. The title, Elena, Ready for Tomorrow, felt like a natural expression of where she is in her life and artistic journey.

Elena, Ready for Tomorrow, an original commissioned gouache Pop Art portrait of published children’s book illustrator Elena wearing sunglasses and a red shirt, surrounded by black dandelion-inspired flowers, by Artist Brett Hodges of Quiet Corner Art
Close-up of Elena’s face, black sunglasses with window reflections, and red lips in Elena, Ready for Tomorrow, a commissioned gouache Pop Art portrait by Artist Brett Hodges of Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE.
Close-up of the textured red shirt and bold black garment shadows in Elena, Ready for Tomorrow, a commissioned gouache Pop Art portrait by Artist Brett Hodges of Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE.
Close-up of a black dandelion-inspired flower, decorative leaves, and Elena’s flowing hair in Elena, Ready for Tomorrow by Artist Brett Hodges of Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, NE.

Artwork Details
Title: #871 Elena, Ready for Tomorrow
Client: Elena
Creation Date: July 7, 2026
Medium: Winsor & Newton Gouache and archival ink
Surface: 100% archival cotton paper
Finish: Sealed with Dorland’s Wax
Dimensions: Approximately 20 × 16 inches
Collection: Commissioned Pop Art Portraits
Artist: Brett Hodges
Studio: Quiet Corner Art Studio, Omaha, Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elena, Ready for Tomorrow by Brett Hodges?

Elena, Ready for Tomorrow is an original commissioned gouache Pop Art portrait of Elena, created by Omaha-area artist Brett Hodges.

What inspired the Elena, Ready for Tomorrow portrait?

Elena is a published children’s book illustrator whose work reflects creativity and imagination. I wanted her portrait to capture her artistic spirit, confidence, and the possibilities ahead of her. The dandelion-inspired flowers and bold red shirt helped create a composition that feels hopeful, personal, and forward-looking.

What series is Elena, Ready for Tomorrow part of?

Elena, Ready for Tomorrow is part of the Commissioned Pop Art Portraits series, which features one-of-a-kind portraits created in partnership with individual clients.

What materials were used to create Elena, Ready for Tomorrow?

The portrait was created with Winsor & Newton Gouache and archival ink on 100% archival cotton paper and finished with Dorland’s Wax.