This painting was going to be the final self-portrait of my college career. I had planned on fine tuning every shape and color, resting the hand on the ledge with both gravity and weightlessness, and even on alluding to William and Mary's dark history. Instead, I end it in this unfinished state. Although not what I had initially envisioned, it is now an artifact of upended plans and deferred hopes.

In accepting this new layer of meaning, I have realized that the painting is still beautiful, if not more so. Similarly, I’ve been able to see the opportunities I’ve gained amid the opportunities I’ve lost due to the pandemic. For one, the online format of our show allows me to present a larger and more varied body of work. Below, you will find paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs. Some are observational, some are imaginative, some are both, but they are all united by an interest in color, composition, and the figure.

Although I regret not being able to talk to you about my artwork in person or eavesdrop as you discuss it with your friends, I would still love to hear from you. I can be reached via email at r.shkeyrov@gmail.com or via Instagram @theboldstylo.