A vibrant, hand-knitted chevron fabric featuring a repeating zigzag pattern. The chevrons move upward in sharply angled rows, with each stripe blending smoothly into the next through a radiant rainbow spectrum. Starting from deep purples and blues at the bottom, the colors transition through magenta, hot pink, red, orange, yellow, and into teal and green near the top. The texture of the stitches is clearly visible, adding dimension and a tactile quality to the fabric. The yarn appears to be hand-dyed, creating rich gradients and tonal depth throughout the piece.

Mini Muse & Me

Painting Ace: A Study in Monochrome, Memory, and Magic

Back in Art & Design Fundamentals, we were given the task of creating a piece that explored both monochromatic and achromatic colour studies. Naturally, I chose my favourite subject: Ace. In the reference photo I used, he was enjoying his very first Starbucks drink — just for him — and the smile on his face was pure, unfiltered joy. But it wasn’t just the expression that drew me in. The way the afternoon light cast shadows across his face stopped me in my tracks. There was something so tender and poetic in that moment — and I knew I wanted to capture it.

An in-progress painting of a young black boy, Ace, on a brown drawing board in a studio setting. The painting is taped down with green tape and a reference black-and-white photo is clipped beside it. The portrait shows Ace smiling, with the face still being developed using grayscale watercolour. The striped shirt is outlined and partially filled in with pink and red tones. A red acrylic background fills the left side of the composition, while the right remains pale pink.
Mono & Achromatic study started
A side-by-side progress comparison of two stages in a monochromatic and achromatic painting of a young black boy named Ace, shown from the waist up. Ace has curly hair, expressive eyes, and a wide, joyful smile. The background is a split of bold red and soft pink. The left version shows the shirt partially painted in red and pink stripes, while the right version has more refined shadows and a completed neckline, giving the shirt added dimension. The face is painted in grayscale using watercolour, while the background and shirt use acrylics.
Mono & Achromatic study in progress

The black and white portion of the portrait was built up using watercolours from Beam Paints — a local, Indigenous, woman-owned company whose values and craftsmanship speak directly to my heart. Their paints are made from the earth, with natural pigments and thoughtful, eco-conscious packaging. Every brushstroke felt like a little act of love, not just toward the subject, but toward the process. I’d paint for a few hours, then spend the rest of the day (and night) just staring at it — studying, planning, dreaming. Each layer required patience and trust.

The red background and stripes on Ace’s shirt were done in acrylic — bold, bright, and full of life — just like him.

A split image showing (left) an in-progress painting of a young black boy, Ace, on a brown drawing board outside of a grey brick house, in front of a patio door. A small Jack Russell dog - Petey- sits at the bottom right side of the easel. The painting is taped down with green tape and a reference black-and-white photo is clipped beside it. The portrait shows Ace smiling, with the face still being developed using grayscale watercolour. The striped shirt is outlined and partially filled in with pink and red tones. A red acrylic background fills the left side of the composition, while the right remains pale pink. taped to a board, now being painted outdoors. On the right side of the split, Ace is seen in real life as a toddler, wearing a red hoodie and light grey sweat pants, colouring in a shark-themed water painting book on a carpeted floor.
Painting together, apart.

One afternoon while I was still working on the portrait, Ace and I were FaceTiming. He had his water-reveal painting book in front of him — the kind where you just brush on water and the colours magically appear — and he was so proud that we vwere painting together! And honestly? That moment hit me harder than any critique or classroom milestone. It reminded me that art isn’t just about technique or assignments — it’s about connection. Memory. Heart.A near-final version of the painting of the young black boy, Ace. The face is now complete with detailed shading and soft white highlights in the curly hair. The red and pink striped shirt is fully painted with smooth, confident lines. The collar features black linear detailing that adds texture. Ace’s joyful expression is brought to life through the contrast of dark and light watercolour tones. The background remains the bold red and soft pink split.

This painting is more than a study in contrast. It’s a memory made visible — one I’ll carry with me, always.

Another version of the painting nearing completed. The curls in Ace’s hair are rendered with more loose, expressive black ink swirls and circular forms with white highlighted hairs. The striped shirt is completed in rich red tones with deep pink stripes and the addition of black and white cuffs, enhancing the contrast. The face retains the same lively grayscale treatment.
Mono & Achromatic study – complete

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