As a new artist, my pieces represent a subtle experimentation, using a traditional subject but incorporating less traditional techniques. In this monochrome portrait, I used varying tones and saturation of sepia watercolor, mixed with a small amount of bronze metallic watercolor. The overall effect is meant to be dreamy and nostalgic, aiming to capture a fleeting moment in childhood and highlight my daughter’s innocent, pure expression. This piece also represents growth in my journey as an artist, from first picking up a paintbrush in April 2020, to learning to paint a realistic portrait. I am a middle school teacher and a parent of two, and through the many struggles and shifts of the past year, learning to paint has pulled me through and given me a voice.