Please note, this painting is currently in a gallery in Dallas, Texas. Please allow extra time for shipment, thank you!
I began this 48" x 60" painting in the Summer of 2020. At that time there was a lot of uncertainty in the world and at home, and I was beginning virtual school for my 5 year old while also caring for my then 2 year old. I was finding it difficult to know what to paint, or even what to feel (besides exhausted). So, after I primed the canvas, I did the only thing that felt right: I wrote a love note to myself and scrawled across the canvas in enormous letters “Be Brave.” When I want to paint passionate, bold feelings, my first instinct is to use red and black. They feel powerful and expressive, and at that time, I thought, extremely BRAVE. So, I covered over my note with many layers of texture and bright red and deep black paint.
One beautiful January day, I found myself lost in the bold red canvas, and I suddenly realized something wasn’t right. With the new year came new hope, things were starting to get back to normal, and I was even in a groove with virtual school. A weight had been lifted, and I realized I could let all of the earlier fear, worry, and uncertainty go. The brave thing to do now was to be strong and hopeful, calm and cool. Blue! I needed blue! As I applied layers of turquoise, ultramarine, and gold, the painting began to reflect that sense of peace and joy I was feeling.
Although the reds and blacks were mostly covered, upon closer inspection, one can still see tiny bits of red, representing the act of bravery, and overcoming challenging times. I suppose that’s why, in creating this piece, I’m reminded of why it’s so important to embrace change and hold onto hope, especially as we find our way through these next few weeks and the darkest days of the year, because everything always works out in the end. This is why my favorite detail in this piece remains the one you can’t see.
The very first layer that will always whisper “Be Brave.”
Oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas with a glossy varnish. Due to the size, this canvas will shipped in a tube and will need to be re-stretched or framed once delivered. It is currently on display in a gallery in Dallas, TX, so it will ship from there. Please allow 3-9 business days to prepare your painting for shipment. If you need it sooner, please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate!