Two Sides of the Tale

This painting is inspired by one of my favorite books, A School for Good and Evil. I was fascinated by the idea that good and evil aren’t always black and white—and that sometimes, they can be the opposite of what we expect. I wanted to show the two main characters, Sophie and Agatha, standing side by side, each representing a different world—but also sharing a deep connection.

On the left, I used warm colors like gold, red, and burnt orange to represent the School for Evil. I chose these colors to show drama, desire, and the outer beauty that hides something more complicated inside. Sophie, who is part of the Evil school, believes she belongs in Good, and her story explores how appearances can be misleading.

On the right, I used cool colors like blue, violet, and icy white to reflect the School for Good. This side is calm and noble but also filled with emotion and strength. Agatha, who comes from a dark, shadowy place, is actually the one with the kindest heart—proving that goodness can come from unexpected places.

In the center, their worlds blend together—because the line between good and evil is never as clear as it seems. The swans represent balance, the castles symbolize the schools, and the open book reminds us that we each write our own story.

I used bold shapes and a stylized look to make the painting feel like a mix between a fairytale and something modern—just like the book feels magical but real at the same time.

This artwork is my way of showing that good and evil live inside all of us, and what truly matters is the choices we make.

Size: 3ft x 4ft
Medium: Acrylic paints, glitter, rhinestones