This is one of a series of paintings that explore the history and the essence of femininity. Pop culture has done a poor job of expressing the nuance of womanhood. Women are often portrayed in terms of their value as a product or a service. Other times, images of woman are impossible distortions designed to make them feel inadequate. For this project, I want to explore ideas and images about womanhood that are diverse, which means that some will explore tropes imposed upon women, and others will explore themes of womanhood that are almost impossible to notice, whether because they are so subtle, or too embarrassing for anyone to talk about. I also want to show how different historical styles of art can be blended to express a new dimension of meaning, honoring prior art movements and boldly evolving them. “Grace” is an expression of the divine aspect of the feminine. This piece is inspired by the art nouveau movement that emerged in the 1890s featuring long sinuous lines, intricate patterns, and decorative organic shapes.