The Battle of Self | Original Art | Illustration
Medium: Mixed media – Ink, Watercolour, Acrylic
Style: Expressive, abstract, emotional
Techniques: Fluid brushstrokes, layered movement, symbolic composition
Palette: Contrasting hues of fiery reds and cool blues, intertwined with black ink detailing
Key Features: A dynamic exploration of inner conflict, the tension between love and fear, and the complexities of self-perception
Created during Chapter 2 (2020 - 2023), this piece is part of the Versions of Robert Collection—a deeply personal body of work reflecting my journey through my mother’s stroke, dissociation, and eventual dementia. Each piece within this period serves as a page in a diary, capturing moments of self-discovery and emotional depth through art and poetry.
“The Battle of Self” is a visual dialogue between opposing forces—love and fear, trust and doubt, surrender and control. The swirling energy of red and blue, intertwined yet separate, represents the ongoing internal struggle to accept oneself and embrace vulnerability.
The artwork invites the viewer to reflect on:
• The moments when love and fear collide within us
• The vulnerability of letting someone in despite past wounds
• The power of trust and the weight of internal battles
A deeply personal exploration of the conflicts of love, identity, and self-acceptance.
Details:
- Size: A4 Illustration
- Material: Mixed media on paper
- Unframed
- Original, signed by the artist
- Limited Edition Giclée Prints Available – 150 prints total across three sizes, including the original size
The Battle of Self | Original Art | Illustration
by Robert Paul:
The Battle
..
You hit my heart
Do not shut me out
..
I hold my mouth
I beat my chest
What can I say
..
What is this spell you have poured over me
What is this beauty
Your smile covers me
..
How can I explain this pull
Somewhere you roam inside
Somehow I manage to let you in
..
Your words are mine
My eyes are yours
..
Half of me is your believer
..
Please shake my past
Please use my love
..
I cannot look
I am too scared.
I run faster
..
I see your stare
I feel your breath
Will your hands deliver
..
My thoughts haunt me
What about my thoughts
My mind is closing down
..
My mouth is shut tight
Your gaze cuts through me
This endless darkness
I kiss my dreams
I hold my heart close
I plummet inwards
..
Can I trust this face of hope
..
You know my means
Where else can I run
No one is there
You might be somewhere
How do I fall
Will I fall apart
What will I regret
Jealousy runs through me
I can’t stop this talk
My quest tells of my foolish heart
My exploration talks of my shut heart
..
This celestial heaven
These invisible tears
I feel you
I am with you
I am you
..
This puzzle of love
I no longer can keep you empty
I will talk of love
Till my soul sings your name
I follow thee
..
