New Painting - Iron, Lion, Zion

Finished a new Bob Marley commission.

Very happy to share this story. My girlfriend's friend is a single mother. Her and her twelve year old daughter share a strong bond with their love of Bob Marley. As a surprise gift to her daughter, I was commissioned to paint their musical hero.

When we delivered the piece to her at her salon/studio she was brought to tears. She was very excited to pass the gift along to her daughter for her birthday.

When I saw the tears I was a bit taken aback. When painting I put everything into what I am doing and I truly enjoy the process for what it is. Whenever something is finished I usually feel pleased and move on to the next thing but I rarely feel anything beyond that emotionally. It just "is what it is" as they say.

But when I saw the woman crying I realized that art really does convey more sentiment than just colours on a page. It has the power to elicit so much more. I thank her for showing me that and reminding me that things like painting can mean more to people than I care to recognize at times.

Here is the song I listened to most while working on this piece.