“A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless” – Theodore Roosevelt

Lorie received a gift card for her 60th birthday and wanted me to capture her grandchildren in a forest.  The reference photo included her and her husband and the youngest with his head down.  She asked me to remove her and her husband and also provided a different photo of the youngest with his head up.

It’s been a while since I’ve painted this size and I was surprised with how much time the forest took as layers upon layers of painting went onto the canvas.  I am happy with the end result, rich in colour and texture. But more than that, Lorie was very happy.  She kept it as a surprise for her husband and he also loved the painting.

It is such a privilege to help people capture their memories.

Original in private collection.

Completed: November 2022

• Acrylic on Birchwood Panel Canvas