What Is Worth Holding Onto? | Finding Meaning Through Art and Nature

What is worth holding onto? For me, the answer is often found while painting outdoors through unexpected encounters, changing landscapes and meaningful moments that stay with us long after the day is over.

 

I've spent almost every day this week painting.

At first glance, the subjects couldn't be more different.

Two are part of my new 'Benches' collection.

One is a commission of a much-loved dog.

The third is a little African girl whose eyes captivated my attention (I'm still trying to understand why).

 

The paintings don't appear to belong together.

Or so I thought...

 

As I've moved between painting them, I've realised they all ask the same question.

What is worth holding on to?

The benches I'm painting aren't really about benches.

They're about the conversations we had, the decisions we made and moments that changed us.

 

The dog commission isn't really about painting a dog.

It's about preserving the presence of a friend. One who shared daily life, loved unconditionally and became part of a family.

 

And the little girl...

I'm not entirely sure why I need to paint her yet. (There is a story, but I'll tell you that once I've completed the painting).

Sometimes a painting arrives before the words do.

I've learned not to fight that.

 

Over the past few weeks I've been thinking a lot about why I paint what I paint. What's the point of it all?

I think I've finally found my answer...

 

I'm interested in the moments, the people and the places that shape us.

The things we carry with us long after the moment has passed.

 

Maybe that's why people often tell me they see themselves in my paintings.

They aren't just looking at the subject.

They're remembering something of their own.

That's a privilege I never take for granted.

 

 

I'd love to know...

Is there a place, a person or even an animal that still feels part of you, years later?

I'd love to hear your story.

 

See the Work in Progress Paintings