Release
20”x24”
Oil on canvas
A woman with long, dark brown hair sits unclothed on a purple rock in front of a pale blue waterfall. In the distance, trees and grass can barely be seen in shades of green. Three orange butterflies are resting on the model: one on her right knee, one over her right shoulder upon her right hand and one on the back of her hair. Three additional orange butterflies are floating in various proximities towards the viewer along the left side of the image.
“The figural portion of this painting was completed in-studio with the model. The environment and the butterflies were added after sessions with the model were complete. The model was often wearing an ornamental clip at the back of her hair, so I was inspired to re-interpret her accessory to be a butterfly sitting upon her. The butterflies are intended to be a representation of the model being in control of her vulnerability. The butterflies are hers. Though they beckon you closer, the woman sitting before you is the one who is making the choice to invite you into this moment.”