In this portrait, a woman sends a message to her audience: remember to spend more time outside. With technology all around us, at all hours, and in our own personal pockets, we have become concerned, tired, and desiring of peace, but the image suggests a time for nature or any environment that allows one to breathe outside of our work spaces. Taking a breath of fresh air and remembering how far one has come is essential.

The woman reminds us that standing alone as a person is completely acceptable, even when others may not believe it so. She stands strong with a solemn gaze as a vibrant fern and large tropical elephant ears surround her.

In my technique, I added the value method because shading helps create a contrast between lightness and darkness and shows how a woman, away from technology, stands in the brightness of the outside world.