I experimented with different colors and practiced with materials as I progressed through my series. In pieces 1-5 and 9-11 I used different materials and scales. In SW(selected work) 1, I also aligned with my use of vibrant colors and used primary colors in the background to complement the secondary ones used in the people illustrated. In SW 2 & 4, I took a different approach by making everything but the food item shown monochromatic. Lastly, in SW 3 & 5, I took time to enhance the portraits' facial expressions and details.

My introductory piece was very experimental. As I started creating it, I was thinking about what my series should be about. Sweet Tooth is an acrylic painting depicting a man showing off his mouth through a magnifying glass. This man is made of candy. His teeth are candies including Skittles, and candy corns and his hair are Twizzler strands.

This painting is based on the word manic. To be manic means to be in a state of mind characterized by high energy and excitement. This definition immediately made me think of candy as too many sweets will result in a "sugar rush." 

The licorice was a challenge for me because that candy in real life looks almost like a rope. To convey this texture into my work, I took the time to use different shades of red to deepen my work and create highlights to bring it forward. You can see this pattern of shadows and highlights throughout this piece to help the mix of colors more cohesive and realistic.