Submerged 

Sarah Joncas painted 'Submerged' using oil paint, a traditional medium prized for its slow drying time, which allows for careful blending. Note the extraordinary realism around the eyes, water droplets, and hairline. This wasn't achieved by accident. Joncas has painstakingly built up layers of pigment. The translucency of oil paint is key here. Each layer subtly alters the ones beneath, creating an illusion of depth and luminosity. The artist uses the inherent qualities of the oil to capture the unique way that light interacts with skin and water. But this is more than just a display of technical skill. By embracing the slow, deliberate process of oil painting, Joncas invites us to slow down as well, to contemplate the subtle nuances of her subject's expression. She bridges the gap between technical mastery and emotional depth, proving that even in the digital age, traditional materials can offer profound insights.