Wow. I have a lot of comments about this piece of art, Maria.

I'll start with technical. I think your raw drawing talent — your ability to do traditional art — is very evident here in the lines of the figure's form, as well as clothing. I cannot even draw a straight line, so I know how many people wish they could actually form lines the way you do, and make it look so effortless. I also think you did a great job with the shading and the coloring. It is very complex, but appears to look very simple. That takes talent, in my opinion.

I always love how you draw hair. It looks real to me, like you could reach out and touch it.

OK, now for the emotional part of the art.

Based on the description, I can completely see all the emotions you must have felt at the time you created this. The cracked mask over the face reminds me a bit of the Phantom of the Opera, mostly in how there were two sides to him and much more going on underneath the surface than most guessed.

I think maybe it is a representation of how we all feel, at times, we wear masks. But, at the same time, little pieces of the sad mask seems to be chipping away, maybe as a way of symbolizing how you are trying to get past the sadness. Either that, or you can no longer keep up the mask of pretending to be OK, but I think I like the first option better.

I also noticed how the ribbons in the girls hair are tangled in the grape vines where the other mask sits atop it. It reminds me of something from mythology, but I'm ashamed to say I cannot place it at the moment. But, I know it is supposed to mean something...maybe of something holding her back...or maybe it is trying to lift her up?

I also get the impression of unraveling, whether it be in the mask, the ribbons or the piece of her dress that is floating in front of her in the wind. Having wind in a piece of art usually means turmoil in emotions, or at least that is what I've always thought.

I do wonder about the period dress. It's very pretty, but I wonder if it means maybe a feeling of being trapped in traditions? Or, maybe you're like me and just like period garb.

I like the roses at the bottom, too. I notice that they are very light in color, but they are open in bloom. Maybe this means better things are on the way, a rebirth of sorts?

Maybe I just think too much.

I really do think this is one of the most introspective pieces of art I've seen with my own two eyes in quite some time. I think you did a great job in expressing that and your feelings in the girl and her surroundings. It makes me just want to reach into the canvas and hug her.

I really like this piece, first of all for the technical aspect of it. It's lovely see traditional techniques used, where other artists would only be able to produce an image of this quality working digitally. I am envious to say the least!

Secondly the composition & how the artist has chosen to represent the concept shows quite some originality. I would be hard-pushed to think of another artist I have seen lately use this style in quite this way. For what is essentially an illustration rather than a completely naturalistic piece, there are details that catch the eye all over. I also like the way the image is framed by the roses at the base & the branches overhead.

I am hard-pushed to say what I would improve about 'Be Myself'other than I would like to see more. Although the length of the 'canvas' is likely intended, I am left with the impression that there was more to see...maybe I'm spoiled by widescreen TV

~*Ruthie*~