Taking a Shot is a basketball illustration built around the instant just before the ball leaves the hand. I painted the player from behind, arms raised and eyes on the basket, so the viewer shares his point of view and feels the pressure of the moment.
The crumpled folds of the jersey and the number 12 carry the movement, while a soft, grainy sky of cream, peach and pale blue keeps the whole scene calm. A tense action in a quiet, almost dreamlike light.
