This painting was a commission for a customer who's wife turned 50. She lives in Ontario and loves autumn. As do I, especially back east. We don't get the same kind of autumn out on the west coast... I don't normally paint landscapes, and this one has a "Kyra" spin to it - I did enjoy the process quite a lot!
My goal with this painting, was to reflect the joy one feels when surrounded by the lush colours of fall. The crisp air and the crinkling sound as you walk through a pile of leaves do not make me think of decay and the looming winter, rather it's simply a season that has a beauty all its own, and as such, is to be celebrated.
The person this was commissioned for is a jubilant, loving woman who shines for those around her - she reaches out to the most marginalized in our society and shares of herself like few. She brings joy to the people in her life, with her silly jokes, warmth and kindness. I hope this painting does her justice.
It is called Alegria - which means joy, jubilation in Spanish. It seemed appropriate!
