Note To Younger Self

This is a 3/4" detail of my painting. It takes me days to capture the expression in paint for just one face when I am painting in little.

While visiting Bandelier National Park in New Mexico, this scene unfolded in front of me. A mother was reading the park guide to her 5 year old, wide eyed, innocent daughter. The southwest sunshine streaming into the rock alcove, the birdsong, the sounds of squirrels scurrying outside - all of these worked together to melt my soul in this moment. I thought of the things I would say to my 5 year old self, if I could go back in time and have that conversation. I knew I would have to capture this experience in paint.

Honored in April 2019 by Fine Art Studios Online, this painting was selected for their favorite 15% in the Bold Brush Contest.