ABOUT:
Stirring Secrets was originally created as a companion piece to Eternal Optimist.  
I felt like they were women in the same moment, but different parts of the photographic sequence. 
 
There are only a couple of women with eyes closed in this collection, which was intentional.  The very nature of eyes closed recalls an inner dialogue.  The composition of her nose turned upward felt like she was rising and I just had to paint her. 
 
There's a lot of repitition in the work itself, like the use of the circle, the continuum (in fact I originally thought I might call her Circles.).
 
Some of my favorite moments are the highlights of naples yellow along her forehead, the subtle darks in her hair (there's a lot of cobalt blue in there!), and the vertical lines of flesh in her neck. 
 
THE COLLECTION:
This piece is a star in a galaxy of awesome paintings.  
17 pieces were created around a common theme: Eye Traps. 
Inspired by a strict guide by a religious cult, The IBLP (The Institute of Basic Life Priniciples), of appropriate dress and presentation for women, I set out to create a tapestry of oil paintings on fabric.  Each woman is unique but they also work together as an amazing visual quilt.  They're bright, beautiful, introspective, and most importantly autonomous.  
 
DETAILS:
8" x 8" oil painting on fabric wrapped onto cradled wood panel  
.8" depth profile 
 
s/h not included - $30 flat rate to all US locations. 
local pick-up (Tampa, FL) available 
 
Stirring Secrets is varnished for aesthetics and longevity.
She is lovely unframed but would look stunning in a floating frame, too.