Payback is a Beach

Last summer my friend Amy (Hollands) referred me to a salon in Portland’s Hollywood District called Tint www.tintsalon.com   After five months of exhibiting my work practically everything sold. Even two paintings from my blog sold to Tint clients. That was really cool.  This wonderful salon made me believe if I work hard enough - this can really work. 

I wanted to thank Amy for finding me this opportunity.  My original idea was to capture the gleeful atmosphere of their original home.  I envisioned kids playing in the front yard; parents coalesced on the deck and barbeque smoke billowing through the shade trees.   Not an uncommon scene at “Hollandswood” in those years.  That would have been a great painting had it made it off the tarmac.  However, in the words of comedian Ron White “couldn’t pull it off with this equipment”   

Then one day while sifting through old snap shots of kid’s parties past – there it was.  Buried in an old shoe box aka  “my scrapbook” –  was THIS idea.  What adult Oregonian doesn't connect with the memory of children running from the foam of the incoming tide?   It’s generational, timeless and we all know why they’re running.   That water is frickin’ cold!   I combined some photos of Amy’s Madeline and Cole and placed them in this scene.  Poof!  Perfect.  Once again I learn less is more.   

Thank you Amy.