Influence

What an amazing word.
I sometimes ask myself if I did not keep an open door to others influence, where would I be now?

This painting, "Alone with her thoughts" captures a woman who means the world to me.

My Mother.

Patricia has been all over the world and explored many cultural experiences.
She also helps others in relieving their physical pain in her practice.
She has been there to guide me and comfort me in my life.
And she is the reason I now Fly Fish.

So many times she would offer to take me to a Fly casting course, so finally I took her up on her offer.
Lynda McLennan stood in front of us discussing how to approach the art of casting.
Lynda, like my Mother had that connection to Fly fishing.
Step by step, motion by motion I realized I found a new home.
I remember smiling at Mom, knowing her smile held the "I thought you'd love it" look.
She was right.

We have gone fishing now many times and I find myself capturing her on canvas because she speaks to the serenity of the Art of Fly fishing.
She is not all about catching fish but the experience and being in the moment on the river.

I know this translates well since all the pieces of Art with her in them have sold and captured the hearts of those who have purchased them.

I am grateful to her spirit and for her influence on my life.