Over All Of That

I created Over All Of That to capture that profound, quiet turning point in life, when you finally decide you have had enough of what holds you back, and choose to leave a troubled past behind in search of something better. Every part of this work grew from that core idea, and every choice I made while painting was guided by the need to express exactly what that moment feels like, both inside and out.

I started by sketching the figure with strong, defined lines, because strength is essential here, not physical power alone, but the deep, inner resilience it takes to walk away from familiar pain, mistakes or hardship, even when it feels hard to let go. I wanted him to look grounded and solid, showing he has lived through everything he is leaving behind, but also upright and steady, showing he is ready to move onwards. His posture, arms crossed tightly over his chest, head bowed but shoulders held high, is deliberate, it is not defeat, nor is it celebration, it is resolve. It is that moment of pause, when you gather yourself, acknowledge what you have been through, and say to yourself, ‘I am over all of that now’.

I painted him bare‑chested to show vulnerability and honesty, there is nothing hidden here, no masks or pretence, he is raw, open and human, and I chose simple, worn denim jeans to keep him relatable, ordinary and real, this is not a hero or a myth, but anyone who has ever decided their life deserves to be better.

For colour and texture, I used loose, expressive brushstrokes and warm, luminous tones of gold, amber and soft cream, blended with hints of gentle blue and violet. The background is soft, blurred and glowing, like light breaking through after darkness, it feels bright, open and full of possibility, representing the future he is stepping towards, undefined, hopeful and new. In contrast, his form is clearer and more solid, showing that while his past is behind him, he still carries it as part of who he is, it has shaped him, but it no longer controls him.

The title Over All Of That comes directly from that feeling of finality and freedom, being done with the struggles, regrets and burdens of before, and rising above them to build a life that feels right. I wanted this painting to honour that courage, the quiet, brave act of letting go, of forgiving yourself and choosing to look forward, even when it is hard. To me, this work is not just a portrait of a man, it is a portrait of every person who has ever turned their back on a difficult history, and taken that first step towards something brighter, better and entirely their own.