I can always count on my youngest son, Christian, to challenge me in good ways. He is creative in writing and in composing songs on the piano. I trust him when he shares his artistic opinions with me.

So, when I first started painting several years ago, Christian asked why I always seem to paint from other people’s pictures – photos or online tutorials, mainly. I didn’t really have an answer other than there was already so much beauty out there, and I was still learning to blend colors and use paint and brushes, in general. He seemed satisfied with my answer; however, as always happens when he piques my brain, I thought about what he said and figured I’d dream about it.

Well, I don’t think I really intended to dream about it, certainly not soon after that conversation. But, I do a lot of my creative thinking in dreamland. Do you find that true as well?

Pretty much the very next day, I had this image in my head and felt a new eagerness. An eagerness to do something different than anything I had done. Instead of landscapes or oceans, I was setting my sights on a unique calico cat. I love cats, and I use a cat in my logo. 

This was a fun painting to do. I enjoyed designing the space and defining the sharp lines. 

When it was completed, my son was pretty impressed with his mom. It’s nice to do something your teen finds surprisingly good! I think it meant a lot to him, too, that I listened to his creative advice.

Thanks, Christian!