Turmoil

This painting, though not a self portrait, is autobiographical, and also maybe biographical of anyone who has to deal with anxiety and guilt on a daily basis. The idea for this came to me one day at work when I was walking past a coworker of mine. I am incredibly anxious and was worrying that I was in this guys way. Out of anxiety I tried to cover my face and grab myself at the same time. I don't have nearly enough hands to show all the gestures of anxiety and guilt that can overwhelm me in even the simplest situation. So, like a devi, this girl has multiple arms with iconic gestures suiting her meaning. When I am depressed or anxious it is like living on a stormy beach with no shelter where the smallest conflicts swoop around my head like angry crows. I don't know if it shows in the picture that well, but I absolutely love the color of her skin. I was able to make her pale, even pearlescent, without making her skin seem to yellow like I usually do.