When working from my own experiences I have a greater empathy and enthusiasm. I may want to make the experience more complete, or hold the feeling that I had experienced. I was inspired by a painting I loved to create my own moment in this piece. I got my willing boyfriend to learn to play the guitar....and then, one evening, asked him to model with me. The palette knife work in the background kept it loose, earthy and euphoric. The transparency of some of the dark passages combined with the impasto work to create a rich surface. Often I paint a single figure in their own little world, but in this piece I wanted to celebrate a moment of togetherness, the happiness, warmth and contentment found in close company with someone loved.

I am thrilled that the painting was accepted into the Oil Painter's of America Western Regional Show held at Wildhorse Gallery in Steamboat Springs, CO. My first OPA show!