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This painting is from a photo taken during a family vacation on Bald Head Island during Thanksgiving weekend in 2019.

It was quite chilly out and the grand kids were having a ton of fun together. Of course, being at the beach, they couldn’t stay out of the water, even though it was cold. Hence, their clothes were soaking wet and literally draped, fully saturated, over them. While I watched them play, I witnessed one of those special moments I knew I would not want to forget.

I don’t know whose idea it was to pose making a heart symbol in front of the setting sun. They twisted their little bodies in all kinds of ways as they tried to figure out how they were going create the shape. When I saw what was going on, I quickly pulled out my camera and captured several precious photos. Last week, as I was looking through my photos for inspiration, I happened to come across this one. In an instant I had that deep down feeling I had to paint it. The feeling was so strong, I set my Scotland series aside so I could get to my easel and work on this one.

When it comes to painting - and life too - being present and paying attention are important aspects to doing either well. In this case, the photo touched me deeply and said, “Ah! THIS is it!” In that moment it actually changed me. It also changed how I felt while I was painting. And now that I am done, I believe it changed the final outcome too.

Just so you know, my daily practice, rather than being busy all the time, is to simply be quiet and listen. I listen for potential paintings to speak to me and to call me to use my gifts as an artist. I have learned when that happens, inevitably I am able to do my best work.

I encourage you to stop and listen too. Be open to what you hear. You might be pleasantly surprised!

Warm regards,

Barbara

Painting details:

Medium - Oil 

Substrate - Cotton canvas 

Size - 7 x 5