The concept for this piece combines several elements that add up to a powerful scenario: a sense of dynamic motion informed by my past experience as a character animator; a three-dimensional presence induced by the strong perspective of the figure and the bold use of circling koi fish; a swirling dress influenced by the effects of water; wild, sort of psychedelic reflections that double as the light source; and a color scheme that turned out nicely as well.

I deliberately choose painting subjects that are uniquely different each time to challenge myself and grow my skills as an artist. An underwater scene was a first for me and a perfect fit for trying something new. I designed the composition around symmetry to emphasize the underlying spiritual nature of the piece. Koi are traditional symbols of perseverance, transformation, good fortune, prosperity, and love. Their varied patterns and colors added interest to my painting process and, ultimately, to the viewer's experience. The mysterious woman at the center motivates the action. I strove for an elegant pose reminiscent of dance, yet not a typical dance pose. Her dress was a key element, and painting the flowing, translucent cloth was my favorite part of the process. All told, this painting took 220 hours to create, but it was well worth it.