I chose to make three paintings of the same person, all very close up views of the face and hands. I took my own reference photos again, so I could manipulate the composition and highlight the structure of the human figure, which is the overall theme. Not only was I focusing on the human figure, but I created a close up and personal perspective of the subject, which makes both the subject and viewer feel more vulnerable.

My painting is based in a reference picture of a typical Spanish window I took myself at my family’s hometown which is in the Sierra of Cazorla natural park in Andalucia, Spain. The technique I used was acrylic paint on canvas. I also helped myself with tape for creating nice straight lines. The biggest challenge was to create a smooth gradient with this type of painting, which took me some time. I like this design because of the minimalism and the contrast of the bright white wall and the dark window.

Rebirth, acrylic on canvas, 45.7 cm x 60.9 cm

This painting represents someone becoming a new person every day, with new memories and experiences different from the previous. The old versions kept there symbolize that while you grow, it’s important to reflect on what shaped you in becoming the person you are now. This is a relatable piece that ties into my theme, New Beginnings. I was inspired by Peter Max, who often uses the triadic color scheme as well as surrealist concepts.

For my painting I chose to do the emotion of depression. I studied the style of the impressionist and interpreted the type of brushstrokes in my piece. I used a human form to show the sort of uncomfortable and restless feeling while leaving the background blank to represent the somber loneliness of how depression feels. The red streaks in the background resemble the people we have lost to depression.