"Peace"

Self-Portrait Bug Study

This painting was done in acrylics

with a white oil pastel glow around

the portrait. I absolutely love this

piece because the colors that make

up the hair and face are bright and

blend together very smoothly. I also

think the shirt and hands look fairly

realistic. The butterflies in the back

are very light because the self-portrait

was such a center focus that i didn't

want to take the emphasis off that by

cluttering the composition with bold

butterflies. This piece is dedicated to

my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gotschalk,

who passed away from cancer when i was

still in her class. Her favorite animals

were monarch butterflies and she helped us

raise some from cocoons but passed before

she could see them be released. After they grew into beautiful butterflies,

the class released them in honor of her life. Basically, the painting is a

reminder that i still remember her and every time i see a monarch butterfly,

i say a quick prayer to say thank you for being an amazing teacher.