I painted this portrait of mother and child to depict the great strength of a single mother, who wasn’t sure her family would support her choice to raise a child on her own. The reality was quite the contrary. I offer the painting as a testament to the beauty of a mother’s love and a family’s commitment to embrace their daughter’s choice.

(I have known the mother since she was a teenager. Some years ago, I drew her in charcoal as a gift to her mother, who is a very close friend.)