When I create a portrait, it’s never just about getting a likeness — it’s about the time spent together. Sitting with someone, talking, sketching, and simply being in their presence builds a connection that can’t be rushed. I sometimes think of it as walking in their shoes for a little while. By the time the painting is finished, it holds not just their image, but the hours of conversation, the shared silences, and all the small details I’ve learned about them.