Painting figures can be a daunting task for many artists, primarily because of the common misconception that a figure must be recognizable for the artwork to be deemed successful. This belief stems from our daily interactions with people and the subconscious expectations we have about how a human figure should appear. However, this notion is far from the truth. True art transcends mere representation. It's more about capturing the essence, the mood, and the emotions rather than strictly adhering to realistic details. When I approach figure painting, my focus shifts towards the interplay of colors and the nuances of lighting. These elements can convey depth, emotion, and atmosphere far more powerfully than precise details of a person's features. By emphasizing color and light, I can explore a more abstract and expressive representation. The way shadows contour a body or how a splash of vibrant color can bring a scene to life intrigues me more than the minutiae of facial features or exact proportions. In this way, I believe art speaks a more universal language, evoking feelings and thoughts that go beyond the surface level of mere recognition.