Introspection Collection

 

Shadow portraits

Darkness is the absence of light. In low light, your pupils open up, or dilate, to let in more light. My series explores the "di·lation of imagination" examining the relationship between darkness and light, and how the mind expands to let light in. In a shadowed space, the less light you have the more it stands out.  Light is intensified by darkness. 

Ideas began flowing, stirring me awake in the early hours of the morning as my mind played with the possibilities. A question emerged: Could I create a portrait where one side remains entirely in shadow, brought to life with only the faintest highlight to illuminate an eye? Inspired to explore this concept, I began painting, letting the ideas flow freely through me.

As I stepped back to see what was taking shape, I was struck by the faces emerging—filled with depth, emotion, and an almost haunting mystery. It felt as though they were rising from a hidden place within me, revealing untold stories and unspoken truths I hadn’t known were there.

Each stroke of paint seemed to flow effortlessly, revealing emotions I hadn’t anticipated, making me question where these images were coming from and what they were trying to tell me.

It was through this process that I discovered shadow work—the exploration of the hidden, often repressed parts of ourselves. I realized that what was being released onto the canvas were fragments of my own shadow—feelings, fears, and truths that had been buried.

These paintings became more than art; they became a dialogue with my subconscious, a visual manifestation of healing and self-discovery. Yet, as I studied each face, I understood they were not just reflections of my inner world but also mirrors for those who viewed them.

Rather than define the emotions I see in these faces, I leave space for the viewer to create their own interpretations. Each person brings their history, experiences, and emotions to each portrait, seeing reflections of their own shadows and light.

The faces are both familiar and mysterious, inviting introspection and personal connection. As Shakespeare wrote, “Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” In this way, the paintings become transformative not just for me as the artist, but for each viewer who encounters them.

These portraits are more than images; they are invitations to explore the unknown parts of ourselves. Darkness is the absence of light, not emptiness at all... but a space for growth, a fertile ground for imagination and transformation. The process of creation taught me to trust what flows from within, and I hope these paintings will inspire others to do the same—to face their shadows, embrace the unknown, and find beauty in the balance between light and darkness.

 

Art has the power to reveal what lies beneath the surface.  I invite you to explore your own story with a customized Shadow Portrait. This is not just a portrait; it is a deeply personal reflection of your essence—capturing emotions, memories and untold truths that make you who you are. 

*Commissions open *

 

"Change the way you see things and the things you see will change." -Wayne Dyer

 

 

Shadow portraits - what do YOU see?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inquire about original paintings and prints:

Email: use the contact form (I am getting too much spam when I share my email here!)
FB Page: @melindalowryanter.art
FB Messenger: Melinda Lowry Anter
IG: @melindalowryanter.art