In Swim, O'Connor explores the human anatomy structure with a focus on the expressive eyebrows and eyes that anchor the composition. The use of dark tonal variations creates a sense of weight and volume, while the simplistic background ensures the viewer’s attention remains fixed on the central grounding point of the figure. The drawing feels both solid and fleeting, capturing a specific psychological state through precise linework.

The work balances diverse texture exploration—particularly in the rendering of hair—against dynamic tonal contrasts. There is an inherent emotional depth in the way the artist handles the medium, suggesting an internal adventure or a quiet resilience that transcends the stillness of the portrait. By stripping away environmental detail, O'Connor allows the raw elements of art to speak to the complexity of the person depicted.