Restoration: Serenity

This piece is called Restoration: Serenity. It's the first piece in a paired series exploring physical (and emotional) recovery and strength.

I painted her to express that moment when pain is thrown off, when the surgical mesh is finally removed—you can see how the mesh dissolves as it leaves her body—anchored in soft sages, deep emeralds, and ethereal greys. I wanted to capture that healing which is both grounding and otherworldly. Subtle flecks of red and gold punctuate the atmosphere like falling confetti or rising hope—whichever we're ready to see—not loudly, but as a kind of internal stillness. You can see the dynamic swirl around her, but she stays rooted, throwing her hair back yet almost in meditation. That golden arc—it encircles her with richness, quiet, restoration.

The materials here are layered—some of the flecks were actually worked in at the very end, as a final breath. What I wanted was a visual impression of power found through healing. Many have said this piece has a grounding presence—like a reminder to stay centered, even when the world pulls at you. It’s not loud, but it’s a celebration, unforgettable.