In The Waiting

In the Waiting is an abstract painting created from one of the most tender places a parent can stand — the space between questions and answers, hope and fear, clarity and the unknown. Inspired by the experience of navigating my child’s genetic diagnosis, this piece holds the emotional rhythm of that season: the heaviness of uncertainty, the slow-moving days, the flashes of hope, and the steady beat of love that carried everything forward.

Layered with vibrant marks in teal, berry, blush, and green, the painting mirrors the way big emotions often arrive in small, repeating waves. Each colorful stroke represents a moment lived — a phone call, a whispered prayer, a late-night worry, a deep breath, a turning point. Together, they form a tapestry of resilience and tenderness, proof that beauty can grow even in the hardest chapters.

In the Waiting is a heartfelt piece for anyone who knows what it feels like to sit in uncertainty: parents walking through medical journeys, caregivers, or anyone who has ever held onto hope when answers felt out of reach. It’s a reminder that the waiting is part of the story — one shaped not only by fear, but by strength, courage, and unshakable love.

An original 16x20 acrylic painting. Textured, layered mark-making with expressive color. 
One-of-a-kind artwork by Kathryn Shields, Varnished for protection and long-lasting vibrancy, Ready to hang Signed on the back