Breaking Free was part of a series of paintings entitled Metamorphoses which I exhibited in 2009. The work explored the process of change and the movement from one physical, psychological, or emotional state to another.
The paintings include multiple gestures of animals or human figures in the process of struggle, change, or transformation. Each image is based on a starting point of action and incorporates layered transparent variations of movement.
In addition to working from the live model in a controlled environment, I sketched from observation in parks, zoos, and stables. I brought my studies back to the studio and combined them into finished compositions. I also took great inspiration from Ovid, reading throughout the process of painting and titled the exhibit Metamorphoses.
