This gorgeous painting was created by fourth-year animation and painting major Payton White.
White created this painting with oil paint, which, at the time, was a fairly new medium for him. This was actually the third ever painting he created with oil painting. White had only used water-based traditional media until he took an oil painting class a couple of quarters ago when everything was still online.
This painting was inspired by the loneliness due to being at home during the pandemic, and how it changed White for better or for worse. This feeling of isolation resurfaced mental health issues for White. This piece became a satirical commentary to help him deal with it.
The man dancing with the skeleton represents the trial of filling a void. The man is using the skeleton as a companion, in this piece of a romantic nature, to try and quell his loneliness and desire for love. The skeleton was inspired by a music video for artist Rita Ora’s song, titled “How to be Lonely.”
White also chose to include some commentary on the treatment of LGBTQIA+ relationships in the media. They are often censored in order to be masked as “kid-friendly.” The Hello Kitty face represents this child-like mask and hides the fact that this relationship would be a homosexual one.
White is an extraordinary artist known for his beautiful and photorealistic paintings and amazing 3D work. If you want to see more of his incredible talent, his Instagram is @p.a.y.t.o.n.
