Week 60

This image has been my phone screen for months now. I couldn't wait to paint it.

Before going out on our hike, between grabbing granola bars and water bottles, I also grabbed a little yellow bonnet and stuffed them all in our bag. We hadn't the time to sketch out ideas or costume plan for this trip, but I had packed a few pieces to add interest to some scene we'd find.

Midway in our hike, the perfect gnarled driftwood sculpture sat lazily in the hot sun beside the fiery red cliffs. Pulling out that miniature bonnet and removing our little ones shoes, I could really see the image I wanted to capture. Yes, we let her barefoot in the desert. She was fascinated by the grasses and textures on her bare feet. It was the first time she posed for us without posing. Her natural curiosity mirrored our own in this red world.

In painting this one, which is the largest one of this series so far, the textures were very important. We were exploring them too, as she was. When Laert suggested I start with the fabric, I was excited. What was once so intimidating has become a favorite! Once I got to painting the bonnet, I realized that it was actually too small for her. I hadn't noticed in the moment, but she had grown while she was growing. Laughing to myself, I mused on the beauty of the moment. Growth, wonder, exploration and curiosity are all markers of true life and development. Someone said recently, "You cannot live a life of creativity until you can let go of your fear of being wrong."

This moment in a crimson desert swells within me as the strokes fly. I am as free and fascinated as she, brimming with life.

Discovery of Terra Rosa

36x48 | Oil on Panel