Why Women's Stories
For most of my career, women have been at the center of my work - their strength, their resilience, their history, and the stories that are too often overlooked.
About half of my work is devoted to women. From figures in mythology and history to contemporary voices, my paintings explore the stories women have carried through the centuries. Many are layered with handwritten words, poetry, and quotations that become part of the narrative. My ongoing Project Visage celebrates women over 50, honoring lives, experiences, and achievements that deserve to be seen.
I've always believed that art can do more than hang on a wall. It can start conversations, preserve history, inspire hope, and connect us to one another.
This initiative is one small way I can give back. Throughout the year, I'll partner with organizations working to support, protect, educate, and empower women. During each partnership, a portion of every painting sold from my studio will be donated directly to that organization.
If my work can help tell women's stories while supporting the people working to improve women's lives, then it's doing exactly what I hope art can do.
This isn't new for me
Project Visage - large portraits honoring older women, each one a story worth telling
Subway Sonnets - my signature series, where themes of female strength and empowerment live in every layer
"Dissent" (2025) - an exhibition I curated and a series of work including women being erased from history
“Untitled” - Upcoming 2027 | Curating an exhibition on infertility and medicalized birth
FEMME Art Fair - invited to exhibit in Washington, DC - A market-corrective art fair focused on showcasing and supporting women artists
Maryland Coalition of Families - I raised over $10,000 for them through studio art sales
This is my life's work, not a one-time campaign.
How it works
Every two months, I partner with one organization that supports women.
During that window, 20% of every sale from my studio goes directly to them - including commissioned pieces.
Want something made just for you? Commission a painting, and your 20% still goes to that month's partner. You get a one-of-a-kind work, and you help fund the people who show up for women every day.
Visit the studio I'd love to show you the work in person. My studio is in Pigtown, Baltimore. Email me at susan@susanwashingtonfineart.com to arrange a studio visit.