Beside Himself is a story of order vs disorder; when one has such big feelings they can feel out of body, or beside themselves. Depersonalization and derealisation can make someone feel detached from themselves or from reality. We can never truly know what someone may be going through in their life; from the outside, it can seem that all is well, but inside, there is turmoil. This young man’s emotional narrative is conveyed with the use of opacity and transparency in watercolour; he has been painted twice, identical save for his gaze. His outward self observes his inward self which in turn confronts us directly. The crows on the wallpaper in the background, the trim shifting to an agitated heart-rate zigzag, and the cherries upended, all reveal an inner chaotic state when seen through the transparent version. As cherries represent the potential for new beginnings, and the crows allude to resilience in transformation, this painting contains threads of hope. I’m grateful to my model for this painting, my son Merlin Little.

Beside Himself is a pure watercolour painting—all whites are the white of the Aquabord, there is no white paint. Granulating pigments in the background vibrate while the subject is treated carefully. It took several months to complete this painting, and the whole process is documented on my Instagram. This artwork is for someone who loves and appreciates thought-provoking imagery in the style of magical realism.

Watercolour, 28 × 40”, the framed size is approximately 36 × 48”, painted with professional light-fast pigments, on Ampersand Aquabord. The front of this artwork is protected with Krylon UV-Resistant spray varnish, Golden Isolation Coat, and Golden Gloss Waterborne Varnish with UV Protection. It has a 1 ½” deep cradled panel which has been stained in deep brown walnut colour and waxed, and is ready to hang. The painting is signed by me, JC Little, on the front and has the title and date on the back. I will include a certificate of authenticity with this painting. Because of its size and varnished surface, it must be specially packaged for shipping and therefore a shipping and handling surcharge is added. To preserve the painting from deterioration, display away from direct sunlight.

Actual colours may vary from those shown here depending on the device you are using to view the painting. All copyright, reproduction/duplication rights, and artist’s resale rights are reserved by the artist JC Little. This painting will be sold with the condition that the artist may show the painting in an art gallery or other art show setting.