Semi Sacred

While this isn’t quite finished, this is where I am with the painting at the moment.

I painted this portrait to capture a quiet moment with a young girl from northern New Mexico, someon e you might pass by without a second glance, but who carries something weighty in her expression, a sense of place and presence that’s hard to ignore. She’s standing in front of a semi-truck, which feels like the right backdrop for this part of the world where rural work, migration, and just getting by are part of the landscape. There’s something about the contrast between her soft, sun-warmed face and that hard machinery behind her that felt important to get right.

Her shirt is graphic and contemporary, which plays against the more traditional elements. That truck isn’t just sitting there for decoration; it’s almost like another character in the scene. Maybe it hints at her family’s work, or where she’s headed herself. I wanted her to look resilient and calm, with just a touch of defiance in her eyes.

For the colors, I went with warm tones on her skin and kept the background more simplified, flatter blocks of color that remind me of those mid-century New Mexico painters who knew how to strip things down without losing the emotional punch. The shadows were something I spent time on, trying to capture that harsh midday sun that makes everything feel more stark and real.