This piece was my first real attempt at making an acrylic painting. I titled it, "Holding the Light." It was part of a book report project I had assigned in my Drawing, Painting, and Printmaking class I had taken at the Fine arts Center. I chose the book "The Flower" by John Light, which tells the story of a man living in a dark, dull world, who discovers a book about flowers, growth, and nature. Inspired by it, he plants his own flower, which ultimately brings color back into his world. I represented this story by using myself as the subject, placing myself in a more vulnerable position to reflect personal growth and emotional openness. I chose a daffodil as the flower, because it symbolizes new beginnings and hope. Overall, this piece communicates the idea of overcoming obstacles and finding hope for the future, as well as the new beginnings I experience throughout life.