What is happening in this place?

This series is titled “What is happening in this place?” and is made up of five pieces. These works focus on ideas surrounding personal and gender identity as well as self expression. The works are done in acrylic paint as a base layer, and then continuously layered with oil until my desired look is achieved. This includes many thin and smooth layers of color as well as thicker layers that are created with large, unrefined brushwork. My style is characterized by the intense lighting that gives the figures a warmth and familiarity while the bold and unnatural colors of the skin give unease. I also work with a balance between smooth and harsh physical texture in my pieces that add visual interest as well as highlighting the many layers of work that went into the final piece. My work is emotional, personal, and made with the hope of connecting with viewers to bring comfort in something familiar, or recognition in something difficult.