"Retenue" - Self-restraint. The emotion is very strong in this piece... This painting is a self portrait. I used graphite pencil to draw underneath, and on top of the paint. I painted this entirely with my fingers - no paintbrush. I feel that by painting with only my fingers, it allows me to be very connected to the painting. By using my fingers only, it also forces me to let go of trying to get extremely detailed. There is rich wonderful color in this painting - I have also used beautiful iridescent gold, orange, and blue. I have touches of gold mica chip flake, and micaceous iron oxide. This painting is breathtaking and would compliment any environment.