A State of Contemplation by Emily Collins

This self-portrait is a personal reflection on the quiet moments I often find myself in while reading, thinking, and imagining. I was inspired by a side-profile photo of myself, taken when I was deep in thought. Something about the natural focus in that image felt honest and real, and I wanted to capture that same feeling in paint.

I used gouache with a dry brush technique, allowing the texture of the paper to add depth and softness to the portrait. The brushwork is loose and deliberate, avoiding fine detail in favour of emotion. I chose a palette of cool purple-greys to create a quiet, reflective mood, avoiding warmer tones which I felt didn’t suit the atmosphere of contemplation. The triangular composition keeps the overall feeling calm and balanced.

At 13, there’s a vulnerability in seeing yourself clearly and painting it. But this work helped me express a part of myself I often keep private, and in doing so, made me feel more seen.