With Grace.

Introducing "With Grace" by Dalton Tracee

I am thrilled to present "With Grace," one of my favorite paintings to date. This piece embodies a significant part of my artistic journey and personal heritage.

Finding my style is always an ebb and flow of exploration and refinement. I strive to balance beauty with elements of the strange and new, creating works that are both familiar and unexpected. For me, this was an exercise in loosening up and trying not to paint so realistically. Experimenting with abstraction allowed me to infuse a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion into the piece. This was also my first time using gold leaf, which I am now obsessed with. The gold leaf added an ethereal quality, elevating the composition and bringing a touch of nostalgia.

"With Grace" captures a touch of classical portraiture without being overly realistic. As I painted her, I couldn’t help but reflect on my roots, particularly the women in my family. She evokes the essence of generations past, reminding me of my mother, my grandmother, and especially my great-grandmother, Grace.

There is something in her gaze, I see resilience and strength, qualities that have been passed down through the women in my family. This painting is a tribute to them and the legacy they have bestowed upon me. It’s a celebration of grace, beauty, and the enduring spirit of the women who have shaped my life.

Creating "With Grace" was not just about capturing a likeness, but about honoring the stories and histories that live within us. This piece stands as a testament to the power of heritage and the beauty of embracing one’s unique artistic voice.