Fae at Dusk was a commissioned oil painting created for a close friend who gave me the creative freedom to interpret her through my own artistic lens. When I work on commissions like this, I like to spend time connecting with the person beyond the reference photos. I want the painting to capture more than just what they look like—I want it to reflect their personality, their energy, and the feeling they leave behind.

Symbolism plays a huge role in my work, and every element is chosen with intention. For this painting, I included the Dominatrix Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema thunbergii ssp. urashima), a unique offshoot of the Japanese Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Gardeners often use this flower as a focal point to create a sense of mystery and enchantment, which felt fitting for the quiet, magical energy I associate with her. The long, thread-like extension reaching from the flower creates an almost otherworldly presence, making it feel as though it belongs in a fairy tale.

The surrounding foliage was inspired by the houseplants she loves and fills her home with, creating a setting that felt just as much a part of her as the portrait itself. Since becoming friends, we've always joked that we were the "light fairy" and the "dark fairy"—two sides of the same essence. While I naturally lean toward the light, she has always carried a darker, more mysterious energy. Fae at Dusk became my way of bringing that feeling to life through symbolism, color, and atmosphere.