This painting, part of my “Humanist Icon” Series, was exhibited at the solo show “Deliquesce” at Basic Inquiry in 2018. It this series of paintings I was rendering the human figure in live studio sessions - and environment that provided an immediacy of experience. I wanted to capture these real, “everyday” people and present them as something more celebrated and revered. So by using gold in a way reminiscent of religious icons, I surround, embellish and elevate the figure. I was very happy with this work in particular because of how the rich warm tones of yellow ochre played off the gold of the background, with the cool violets presenting a visual counterpoint.