"Girls' Day Out in Makati"

"Girls' Day Out in Makati" | Pastel on Paper | By Susan Cua

This pastel on paper artwork by Susan Cua captures a quiet, intimate moment of everyday life in Makati. The viewer (Susan) looks over the shoulder of her cousin, Yvette, who sits comfortably in a salon chair while enjoying a manicure during a relaxed outing together. Rather than focusing on the activity alone, the painting beautifully preserves the atmosphere of companionship and pause within a busy city. The original was purchased and now hangs in a collector's home in Evanston, IL.

Soft pastel strokes and glowing color contrasts create a sense of warmth and calm. Golden light filters through the curtains of the window, illuminating the figure and reflecting off the surrounding objects—the nail polish bottles, the lamp, and the small table nearby. Beyond the window, faint architectural forms and greenery hint at the lively streets of Makati, reminding the viewer that this peaceful interior moment exists within the pulse of a bustling urban environment.

Susan Cua’s impressionistic style allows emotion and memory to guide the composition.

The scene feels less like a posed portrait and more like a cherished recollection—an ordinary afternoon transformed into something meaningful through color, light, and familial connection. The viewer is invited to sit quietly within the moment, sharing the calm and warmth of time spent with loved ones.

This artwork reflects Ms. Cua's ability to elevate simple daily experiences into poetic visual narratives, preserving both the setting and the emotional bond behind the memory.