Some paintings are done within a short time of their conception, but others take a very long time. This one, for example was painted in 2009 shortly after the memorable forest trail hike with Leah and her mom and brother. Phoebe the Cocker Spaniel was added to the composition because it made a better picture and was an excuse to give her a dog modeling debute.

This was an event that almost never happened because that summer afternoon her mom invited me to go on the walk with them after work. Really, I was dying to get home to the studio to paint so I nearly declined. But then I remembered the counsel of an elderly guy that grandparents ought to be involved in the lives of their grandchildren more than many of them are. When my daughter told me that they’d be doing the hike without her husband, who was at work or attending class (don’t recall) then I knew I couldn’t refuse if for no other reason that I’d never forgive myself if some bad thing happened at the trail at the hands of mischief makers.

We met at the parking area and proceeded up the broad path in the pretty forest that is typical of this part of the country. The sun was low on the horizen so I brought my monopod and the pictures I took were excellent.

We made our way to a side trail that overlooked a canyon scene well known locally as the “pot holes” or some such. People swim and soak in the pools that fill from dam overflow which then continues down an existing creek.

Little wildflowers were abundant and Leah gathered up a bouquet.

It was one of the best outings ever and I’m so glad I didn’t talk myself out of it.

These past years I’ve loved the painting but have never been satisfied with the finish on the face. It was no where near the beauty of Leah, but it was unclear to me how to remedy it.

Now, four years later I’ve brought the painting to completion and am happy. Except for minor dabs here and there, I expect this will finish the piece. I’ve reworked her face and the signature block and rearranged her hair and now it’s closer to the glory of the girl who inspired it. Phoebe the dog sadly has since departed the planet. 

This last photo was from an amusing part of the hike where at the edge of a cliff I turned my camera to video mode, and used the monopod as a boom to allow me to see what the cliff wall looked like with out actually endangering myself. My daughter is instructing me to be careful and holding her wiggleworm from the abyss.