Susan at Sunset

This painting is my tribute to Susan’s resilience, her spirit and the quiet strength that carried her through one of the hardest chapters of her life. I chose to portray her from behind, allowing her privacy while inviting the viewer to stand beside her in a moment of reflection. The setting on the yacht honors her connection to the ocean, a place tied to the work she loves, her identity and her sense of freedom. The photograph she holds represents the people who anchor her life: her children and grandchildren, whose love gave her courage and hope. The five flowers in the vase symbolize her five closest friends who supported her with unwavering devotion, and the lavender reflects the compassion of her medical team. The eagle rising above the horizon carries the meaning of renewal and strength and nods to the music that helped her endure the stillness and confinement of her treatment sessions. Every element in this scene—the sunset, the ocean, the wine, the cheese—speaks to her return to joy and the sensory rebirth she fought to reclaim. After losing her sense of taste, she held onto hope with determination, and today she is grateful to be tasting life again. That feeling inspired the warmth and light in this piece. This painting honors not just her survival, but the community that gives her hope and the inner faith that helped her rise. It is a portrait of a woman looking toward her future with strength, softness and gratitude.