Isa is the kind of friend who’s always ready to pose for me, always ready to say what needs to be said, and always ready to stand up for what she believes in. She’s strong, determined, and there when I need her most. She’s someone I’d be lost without. I’ve probably sketched, drawn, or painted Isa dozens of times—I know her face better than my own.

Isa moved from the city to the suburbs right before high school, so we don’t see each other as often as we used to. Still, we remain incredibly close, and every time I visit, we fall into laughter and conversation like no time has passed. This portrait is based on a photograph I took during a recent birthday visit. That night, we walked through the suburban streets; she wore her “party dress” paired with her usual running shoes. Isa is an incredible athlete, and her strength shines through in her muscular arms, which I’ve always found beautiful. In this piece, her strength and her decorative jewelry come together to highlight the essence of her beauty.