Portrait > Home Cooking

Magaly En Oro
Magaly En Oro
Acrylic on cardstock (Gel Plate)
8.5” x 11”
2026

This is my latest painting, "Magaly En Oro." It is one of two pieces I created in different styles to honor my friend's grandmother, who recently passed away. The inspiration came from a photograph my friend shared, which captured a truly timeless moment. In the picture, she was sitting on an old limestone fence in the countryside of Cuba. The image had such a profound and enduring quality that I felt compelled to translate it onto canvas.

For this particular piece, I chose to work exclusively with metallic and iridescent paints. I wanted to capture more than just her likeness; I aimed to portray the radiant quality of her memory. The gold and bronze tones in the background and the shimmering greens and blues of her attire catch the light, creating a sense of movement and a glowing presence. The metallic sheen is meant to symbolize the precious, golden legacy she leaves behind for her family.

Creating this artwork was an emotional and meditative process. As I layered the iridescent paints, I reflected on the stories and the love my friend has shared about her grandmother. The rough texture of the limestone wall against the smooth, glowing paint was an intentional contrast, representing the strength of her character against the beautiful light of her spirit. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to commemorate her life in this way.

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Private Collection
Maylee Ayala

IG: @elvissantanaart