Seattle Sunrise

One of my traditions is that when my children turn 30 I present them with a painting. My goal is that it’s of a place near and dear to them. My oldest daughter had her momentous birthday this year so months ago I begin to plan. I know for sure that one of her very favorite places is Hale so I made sure that she and I did some treks through the woods with my camera in hand. One of our favorite spots is a place I named “New Hampshire”. Standing on the small bridge while the water from the pond ran under us, my daughter exclaimed “this is my favorite place at Hale” aha! I had THE place! I went back on my own to take pics of foliage and different angles and different shadows totally prepared to dig in with my oils and brushes. But one morning soon after she declared “You know what my favorite place in the world is….I held my breath nodding my head as I waited for the word Hale…but…”Kerry Park, Seattle”, she says with a bright smile of happiness. HUH!! She had lived in Seattle for three years and this place brought her peace, smiles and comfort. Wow who knew! I changed my entire thought process and got to work with only about a month left to spare. I love painting when I know who the finished product is going to. I love thinking of that person while I paint. I feel the brush just flows and colors are more vibrant. This daughter, along with my husband, are my two greatest critics so I was apprehensive. I could finally let out my long-held breath. She was holding the painting with a genuine smile.