"Taken. Found."
"For Nicholas"
"Queen Crystal"
"Conquer"
"There She Is"
"Aleka Artemis"
"Thriving"
"Venus Spirit"
"Hope"
"Gilded"
Figurative paintings of the Renaissance period were reserved for the rich and powerful, with carefully selected attire to highlight their prominent placement in society. I highlight a different type of power, that which lies in individuals who have survived mental or physical trauma, presented in outfits that showcase their strength.
Painting subjects empowering clothing emphasizes the material armor we put on every day. I focus on the importance of dress by incorporating fabrics into my realistic oil paintings. The powerful statement of my subjects in attire that represents strength to them personally is to inspire viewers to fight in the face of challenges.
The abstracted brush strokes or ink backgrounds contrast the detailed hyper-realistic portraits. The colorful or sometimes dark elements represent the complexity of entangled traumatic experiences, building emotions and the emergence of courage.
Interested in apply to become a subject? Find more information here.
Aplomb Gallery gifts portraits to those who have applied as a subject selecting assistance in funding. Donations by patrons and sponsors help make this possible! Support the project here.
Read the stories behind each and see the classic painting inspiration:
