This painting is a portrait of my Uncle Brett. Despite him being my uncle, we are close in age, and as an only child he is the nearest thing I have to a brother. Growing up, he was always a role model to me of what dedication and persistence can help you achieve. The main theme in this painting is identity, but from the outside looking in-watching someone grow into the person they were meant to be. I used mixed media in this piece to create a collage of things I associate with him. I also used vibrant, warm colors to create a feeling of new beginnings and youthful energy.