All in a Family

(Christmas 2008)

The original name of this painting was "Standing Tall", because I felt like the flowers were, well, standing tall; almost at attention. But for some reason when I started typing, my fingers tapped out "All in a Family". And it fits. Maybe it's because I painted this for a close friend who's like family, or because of the way that the tall, adult flowers seem to protect the small, baby one. Either way, I can absolutely confirm that it has nothing to do with Archie Bunker.

It's been a long time since I've painted. Most of my work posted in the library is from eons ago - with the exception of a massive painting for my now-husband, back when we were in the "courting stage". I definitely feel rusty, but I'm confident painting is like riding a bike ... and like the nasty spill I took last summer, I'm sure I'll produce some 'mha' pieces. Nevertheless I'm really enjoying experimenting with texture and technique - even if I'm not sure whether these are real techniques. In this case I layered on a thick background in which I drew the paintings subjects, pulling off the excess paint. When the paint dried I was left with the outlines of flowers; recessed canvases awaiting the slightly metalic paints. When all was said and done, I enjoyed the results. It's a small, simple painting - but it gave me the confidence to take the training wheels off, and hit the road with my brushes.