Portrait > Home Cooking

Our Little Genius
Our Little Genius
Acrylic on Cardstock (Gel Plate)
8.5” x 11”
2026

"Our Little Genius" is a portrait of my beautiful sister, who is currently dedicating herself to becoming a therapist and future world renown psychologist. Beyond her academic talents, she possesses an incredible energy that can light up a dance floor with the fiery salsa moves derived from our Cuban heritage, all while guided by our mother’s incredible golden heart. This painting serves as a small way of expressing how much we miss her after she bravely decided to leave home and tackle her ambitious dreams all on her own in the bustling streets of Chicago. It is a visual testament to her spirit, capturing both her intellectual depth and the vibrant passion that defines her character.

The artistic execution utilizes a raw and expressive style that attempts to match the energy of my sister’s life and the environment she now navigates. Rendered on a textured cardboard substrate, the portrait features a bold palette of deep teal and fiery orange, applied with a gestural hand that reflects the spontaneity of her dance and the grit of the city. Stippled details around the eyes and face create a sense of focused intelligence, while abstract splatters and floating geometric shapes suggest a mind constantly at work, processing the complexities of the world around her. Through this layered and dynamic composition, I wanted to create a piece that felt like a powerful reflection of her journey, honoring her courage and celebrating the brilliant future that awaits her.

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