This portrait is the first of “A Hundred Faces: Brushstrokes of Humanity.” Cile Stewart, a spirited and radiant young life heartbreakingly taken from her family too soon during the Camp Mystic flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 4, 2025. Painted with deep care and reverence, the work is layered in soft lavenders—Cile’s favorite color—used as a symbol of gentleness, spirit, and enduring love.
The reference photograph was taken by her grandmother, Linda Stewart, my dear friend, capturing a quiet, intimate glimpse of who Cile was to those who loved her most. This painting is not meant to define her by loss, but to hold space for her light, her spirited presence, and the love that continues to surround her. It stands as a tribute to a beautiful soul and a family forever changed, honoring remembrance, connection, and grace.