Mays Mayhew

My work explores the vibrant inner world of childhood through large-scale, highly-layered acrylics. My children are my sole source material. Their growing identities provide the human foundation for every surreal element I paint. In a world of digital polish, I choose to emphasize the visible human hand.
As you view these pieces, you’ll see focused realism set against kinetic, chromatic fields. The sweeping, wind-blown hair and metallic textures represent the strength and momentum of girlhood. I use a physically demanding process—building up layers—to reveal the history of each painting.
By layering glazes and varying sheen, I create a depth that demands to be seen in person. These are more than portraits; they are a record of a shared life, captured through the slow, intentional lens of my studio. Every brushstroke is a deliberate choice. I prioritize the authentic energy of the human experience over the sterile perfection of the digital age.