Occasus was one of the most challenging paintings I've ever created, not only because it was a commission, but because the palette was so unlike anything I had worked with before. The piece features a large, translucent wave crashing against the backdrop of a vivid orange sunset sky. My clients came to me with the idea, and I had to immerse myself in their vision—translating their emotions and thoughts into a visual language that still felt true to my style. Finding harmony between their concept and my own instincts as an artist pushed me in unexpected ways, especially with colors that didn’t come naturally to me at the time.

Commissions are always a delicate balance for me. There's a sense of pressure that comes from trying to honor someone else's imagination while still letting my own artistic voice come through. With Occasus, that balance felt particularly meaningful. Despite the initial difficulty, this painting became a very special one for me. It represents growth—both technically, in learning to handle a new palette, and emotionally, in learning to trust that I could channel someone else’s story through my own hands.