My paintings are of the people I live with, those I’ve seen every day
for the last two years. It’s an expression of how I want to see them -
as muses, as someone “beautiful." This one is of my mother on the rooftop.
Regardless
of the nature of my relationship with people, I'm curious about who
they are when no one’s watching. That's hard to witness even for
ourselves.
I find that when people are looking away from me (or the camera), no forced interaction could make them appear unnatural.
Of course, in this case, the flash had to be turned on to take the photo, but she wasn't aware of it until a moment later. :)
I usually capture her in everyday life -
during a walk, a chore, or a nap. This photo was special though, as I
rarely see her not doing something.
I
also leap at the chance of painting people during the night when it's
low-lit or moon-lit. The colors, shadows, and lights look more simple
and harmonious to me after sundown.