Based on Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”, "Assertion of Self" portrays a nude figure triumphantly raising arms atop a rugged mountaintop, embodying the human condition of self-discovery and transition. Through bold colors, dramatic light, and expressive perspective, this oil painting whispers stories of inner strength and connection to vast environments. The interplay of fiery landscapes and the figure's vulnerable form highlights everyday assertions of identity, drawing from McCarter's background in counseling psychology. A powerful exploration of emotional resilience and sense of place, perfect for those seeking inspirational contemporary art that merges human spirit with nature's grandeur.