Kyra Cowan mixes intimacy and mystery with her oil paintings on board. Though she has painted a variety of subjects, including landscapes and images inspired by current events, her most frequent focus is the human face. Her depictions of close-up figures and bust-length portraits are inspired by unexpected source materials. Cowan interprets models' features, from glamorous to waif-like, into sensitive portraits that bring out strong personalities, a beautiful atmosphere, while retaining an intense mystery. She depicts the human body with great detail and attention to texture, while limiting backgrounds altogether, to depict sensitive, fragile, and profound moments. This balancing act is deceptively skilful. Her subjects aren't laden with defining characteristics on their clothes or hair; all personal information comes from their highly emotional facial expressions. Cowan's characters often confront the viewer with stares ranging from forceful to pleading, as if daring you to turn away while imploring you not to, often drawing on themes of female sensuality and quiet interpersonal intimacy.