I really enjoyed working on this piece. It was the second painting I completed in oil. It was challenging, but it pushed me as an artist. I learned a lot about seeing different colors and shades and using those to make the shoes appear more dynamic. This painting was heavy with detail work, which I actually found quite enjoyable. All the small details in a painting give life to it. This was a special painting for me because it came from a photo of me wearing my first pair of pointe shoes—a big moment in the lives of many young dancers. I wanted to do this painting so I could have a physical keepsake of this special moment in my dance career. This painting took me to a new level in my artistic abilities. I am excited for what is to come.