The mystery woman in the painting and the search to find out who she is

Do you recognize this mystery woman?

When Kim Hessel finally had time to clear out her late mother’s belongings in storage, she came across a painting of a woman she didn’t recognize. Her mother, Betty, was a talented artist throughout her life before she passed away in 2017 at 87 years old.

Now, Hessel is hoping to find the woman depicted in the painting — or at least find her family.

“I found this mostly finished portrait of a mystery woman, and I’d love to be able to pass it along to her or her family. I was hoping someone might recognize her and come forward,” Hessel explains, adding her mother used to do a lot of commissioned pieces in the ’80s and ’90s.

“I have no idea who she is or if she is still alive, but Betty was very accurate in her likeness so I hope someone comes forward and maybe it can be a nice gift all these years later.”

Hoping for a happy ending

Hessel and her brother don’t recognize the woman but believe it was likely painted 30 or 40 years ago.

Her mom grew up in the Capitol Hill area and loved painting throughout her life, though she also worked as a nurse for her regular job.

“My brother thinks it could be from a fundraising auction her church might have been involved in,” she adds.

If anyone recognizes the mystery woman in the painting, Hessel is asking them to email her at [email protected].

“I think it would be such a cool thing to find out who she is,” Hessel says.