Special Gifts

Several months ago I had the great honour of being asked to paint two Adirondack chairs as Christmas gifts.  As I began the work I faced it with trepidation and excitement as this is such a special gift for her sons.  This week when I unveiled them to her, she became very emotional in a very good way and so I'll be creating another for her in spring.

Handmade gifts are so important to me and it is such a privilege to be the creator of those that are so filled with memory and meaning.  It really has been awhile since I have painted portraits so many sketches went into the preparation of these.  It's interesting as in the past few months I've been thinking of brushing up on portraiture, the skill that earned my entrance into art college, and immediately I was asked to paint these.  I find it fascinating that often when you place an intention out there, opportunities present themselves to step forward.

I'm so glad she loves them, and seeing her emotional reaction made me tear up as well, the most precious gift an artist can receive.