I have stated that I used Rita's image as an actor in scenarios of my choosing. And I also stated that my rendering of her is  based upon memory and imagination. Both of these are a form of control. And further, my use of her image is exploitive. There is a metaphorical touching take place as I rub and manipulate the charcoal in the process of rendering. It is not lost to me that it is a magically erotic process, one that is shared with the viewer. I recognize this as a product of Art's male-dominated history. A subject found throughout art history  art is the abduction and rape of women, usually "excused" by being presented in a historical context. But the representation of exploiting women is itself a way of exploiting women itself. I am no knight in shining armor; I am as guilty as Delacroix or Rubens. Thus started the series "Romantic with Rita." But with the further development of her cancer, the series turned into something different: Instead of grabbing and seizing, I started holding and supporting, trying to shield, protect, warn.  The last drawing presented here "Reliquary" was started when Rita started undergoing chemo therapy. It shows the mediport under the surface of her skin. The last photo shows how far the drawing got by 9/23/2024; I just couldn't work on it past this point when she still lived. Drawing and painting Rita from all stages of her life still continues and will as long as I live.