Many of us will never be put in a position of creating “monumental” artwork for gravesites. Some of us will be called upon to create work for those who survive. I had one opportunity when a cousin asked me to paint his late loved wife whom I'd never met. Reluctantly, I said yes. He supplied me with numerous photos. Some from their honeymoon, some from daily life. He also gave me items she loved and owned. He told me stories of them together. After thinking on all this, I came up with an idea on how to approach the work. It was filled with symbolism from all he told me. I also got hold of a dress she wore and had a model pose in it for me. I composed the painting half in light and half in shadow. She was in the shadow section while a window, in the light, showed a balcony scene in Italy from one of their trips. Around the room where the items he gave me that were dear to her and significant to him. In the end, he, along with her parents were moved to tears. It was a very satisfying project. It hangs still in her parents home today.