Martha 

Joshua LaRock’s oil painting *Martha* offers a striking blend of classical portraiture with modern sensibility. The most immediate impression is how LaRock uses light and shadow to model Martha's face and form. Notice how her gaze directs us to an unseen space beyond the frame, creating a narrative beyond mere representation. The artist uses a muted palette where the neutral background allows Martha's face to command our full attention. This careful arrangement shows us the essence of portraiture: the interplay between inner character and outward appearance. The smooth, almost porcelain finish of Martha’s skin contrasts with the textured background, highlighting the artist's technical skill and emphasizing her presence. LaRock invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between representation, identity, and the gaze, and reminds us that a portrait is always more than just a likeness.