This is painting number two in my 'Southern Charm' figure series. In this body of work, I celebrate southern women. I am struck particularly with those in the South who exude grace and charm amidst great trials, hardships, and suffering. Yes, southern women are diverse, but our mothers, daughters, sisters, and grandmothers are rooted. They have gone through the muck and to quote Allison Glock, "...a potent mix that leaves us wise, morbid, good-humored, God-fearing, outspoken and immutable." The figures are classic and elegant, vulnerable but fierce, like the women here with whom I am acquainted. Figure No. 102, specifically, is a study based on an image from a figure drawing class. To achieve expression in this figure, I smudged oil paint with a filbert brush. The surrounding textural layers are of acrylic paint, and the paper collage is from a found vintage dictionary, representing history and tradition.