Going Solo

This painting is one of the few in the collection where I chose to include a figure. The reason being it is my eldest child, who was on the cusp of adulthood at the time I made this painting. She may have still been a child - so small in the mind of the world - so small relative to the setting of the composition. But, at the same time, she is bright and bold and about to step out into the world as an adult, ready to fly solo. Nature has taught her well. In climbing, she has discovered her own strength and courage. Sheer rock faces ignite her sense of adventure. Waterfalls awaken her soul. Forests stir her imagination. Nature is her safe space to seek perspective, calm and solace.