The house was dark except for the enchanting flicker of candlelight.  Besides the crackling of the fire (and distant sound of a neighbors generator) the house was silent.  When we first lose power I feel a sense of dread.  How long will it be? How will I cook?  How will I see?  How will I entertain myself?  Then about 30 minutes into it everything settles down.  Things get a calm and unrushed feeling.  That’s when I opened up this canvas to start my very first Oil & Watercolor painting.  Filled with anticipation and excitement I prepped the canvas and lit another candle.  This painting was started in December 2022 and it was finished a month later.  During this time I was contemplating a change in my life.  One I knew I needed to make but felt I may lose my nerve to make it.  Now being on the other side I am so glad I found my courage.  This reminded me of how I feel when we first lose power.  Uneasy, unsure how I’ll cope.  But soon, you settle into it.  You find a newfound light from within yourself.  In honor of the way this painting started I also kept a candle burning during every minute of brushstrokes.  A powerful painting, with a name full of meaning.  I hope you are able to feel it too.

This painting is a representation of Mt. Si, reflecting on Mill Pond in Snoqualmie, WA.