For this project, I took inspiration from the feeling of looking in the mirror at yourself when you are feeling strong emotions. Sometimes there are decisions in life that have you fighting the devil and angel on your shoulder, and I really love the “yin and yang” aspect that the devil and the angel bring to the piece.

This painting also speaks on making decisions in general, you are the only one who has to live with your choices in life. I wanted this to prompt viewers to think, who do you want to see in the mirror every night before you go to bed? Do I decide if I am “good” or if I am “bad”, or are we cursed to look a certain way despite who we may be on the inside?

Despite all the meanings, I tasked myself with making an intimate moment with the character in the painting feel very intense. I wanted to convey the act of realization, or decision-making, while also having the subject look confused and almost a little frightened. I also took scene inspiration from my own downstairs bathroom at the time, therefore I didn’t need to use any references, I used myself and my bathroom as life references while sketching.

I also knew that I wanted the characters to pop out of the background, so I used the simple act of “hot vs. cold” colours to convey the heat of the character against the chill of the bathroom. I’ve really enjoyed playing with perspective within my work at this time, I feel it brings the viewer further into the world I’m trying to create with my art! Having a dramatic perspective gives the illusion of 3D space on a flat surface. I also love adding little details to find as you dive deeper into the piece, I can’t help but add a little extra information to reward viewers who take in the whole scene. It also keeps people looking for more fun little extras on every corner of the page!

I would love to illustrate more pieces like this one, I used watercolor pencils, and acrylic paint on this traditional painting. But I also do similar things digitally if that’s more your style!