“Distance” was born out of a few different approaches. I was experimenting with both my Water and Raw Sienna series, and was looking to strip out as many of the environmental elements as possible. This would be similar to my JoLisa painting, exploring a very minimal approach (at least for me).

The ironic part is that the two models featured in this image were the closest of friends, and always very bright and joyful. Even though that isn’t how they are depicted here, I applaud them for getting into character and allowing me to explore the tension captured in this image.

Distance
Acrylic on canvas,
20 x 30 inches,
Painted 2016 by Matt Cauley.