"Jerry Ross's oil Portrait of Erina is a depiction of a woman that defies popular femininity yet defines who she is, as a woman, boldly. The label describes it as an oil painting of an Italian nonna from Tuscany, thereby setting up the viewer to witness her as not only female but as a matriarchal figure. However, she is depicted outside of any motherly or grandmotherly setting, standing alone, with an expression that is the antithesis of the soft, submissive, and nurturing female stereotype." ( Critical Review of painting: http://jerryrosspittore.com/analysis2.htm ) Note: This painting was originally titled "Fiorella" (flower) which is the name of her daughter. The sitter's actual name is Irene but I am still not certain of the exact spelling in Italian, so I have decided to just call it Nonna Tucana -- Tuscan grandmother. She passed away recently at the age of 94. Her grandson, Stefano Goracci , is a collector of my artwork.