This is an oil on linen commissioned by Marilyn Wilson of her and her boyfriend, David. She asked me to paint this as a way to remember a good time they had while taking a trip on a friend's boat through the Welland Canal.
Shortly after the trip it was discovered that David had cancer. He underwent months of treatment and Marilyn wanted to lift his spirits. This is when she approached me with her idea for the painting.
After she and I brainstormed the concept, I began working. I used several photos she took during their trip to decide on the composition of the landscape. Marilyn provided me with photos of David, so I could capture his likeness. And after I began painting David into the picture, I photographed Marilyn in the position that I felt worked best for the composition. Using these photos and my experience as an artist I completed this piece. Many of the decisions I made give reference to the experience that I imagined Marilyn and David were going through while he battled with cancer.
The rope that David is holding is used to keep the boat from crashing into the walls of the lock as the water churns during the lowering of the water levels. I wanted to use this as a subtle reference that he was in a struggle for his life. An important element of the painting is the contrast of dark and light between the inside of the lock with the opening in the background. I hope to capture the feeling that they would have been going through while he went through treatments for his illness. I also attempted to convey that she is there with him going through this difficult time as a couple.
The painting was completed and delivered to a very happy and satisfied patron. When I brought the painting to her home just outside of Buffalo, NY she told me that David's sickness was in remission and they were very optimistic. She also said he would be coming home that weekend.
If you would like more information about commissioning a custom artwork please contact the artist.
Shortly after the trip it was discovered that David had cancer. He underwent months of treatment and Marilyn wanted to lift his spirits. This is when she approached me with her idea for the painting.
After she and I brainstormed the concept, I began working. I used several photos she took during their trip to decide on the composition of the landscape. Marilyn provided me with photos of David, so I could capture his likeness. And after I began painting David into the picture, I photographed Marilyn in the position that I felt worked best for the composition. Using these photos and my experience as an artist I completed this piece. Many of the decisions I made give reference to the experience that I imagined Marilyn and David were going through while he battled with cancer.
The rope that David is holding is used to keep the boat from crashing into the walls of the lock as the water churns during the lowering of the water levels. I wanted to use this as a subtle reference that he was in a struggle for his life. An important element of the painting is the contrast of dark and light between the inside of the lock with the opening in the background. I hope to capture the feeling that they would have been going through while he went through treatments for his illness. I also attempted to convey that she is there with him going through this difficult time as a couple.
The painting was completed and delivered to a very happy and satisfied patron. When I brought the painting to her home just outside of Buffalo, NY she told me that David's sickness was in remission and they were very optimistic. She also said he would be coming home that weekend.
If you would like more information about commissioning a custom artwork please contact the artist.