This was one of the first paintings Ryan Jones ever did, inspired by a photograph of Kate Upton at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The use of the circle plays an important role in the composition, guiding our attention toward the textures and beauty of the shoes and dress. It creates a distinct focal point within the painting, drawing the eye into those details and allowing us to appreciate them more closely. The different textures, shapes, and surfaces become a significant part of the image rather than simply details within the larger scene.

The phone and its abstracted placement add another dimension to the work. We’re able to see the moment, but we aren’t given the full context behind it. That sense of the unknown gives the painting an element of intrigue and leaves room for the viewer to imagine what might be taking place.

There’s a balance between what the painting allows us to see clearly and what remains unresolved. The circle brings our attention closely into the visual details of the shoes and dress, while the phone leads our attention beyond what is physically shown on the canvas. One element is very visual and immediate, while the other naturally creates curiosity about the story surrounding the image. The circle draws us toward the beauty and texture within the work, while the abstracted placement of the phone introduces a narrative that isn’t completely explained. Together, those elements give the viewer both something to closely observe and something to continue wondering about.