Becoming is more than a portrait—it’s a beginning. As my first oil painting, this piece represents the moment I stepped into a new medium, uncertain but inspired. The subject’s gaze is direct and unapologetic, set against a textured backdrop of bold reds and deep contrasts. She’s strong, still, and unfinished—just like the process of growth itself. The abstract marks surrounding her are not distractions; they are part of the journey—layers of feeling, resistance, and release. They echo the vulnerability and courage it takes to explore something new. This work is not just about her—it’s also about me. It marks where my oil painting journey started, and the quiet power of showing up, even before you’re fully ready.