Inspiration

The idea for this painting came to me

on the road to Phoenix.

A semi-truck passed
and as it did I noticed a big dirty smudge on it's back door.
Reminded me of a circle head on a square chest
with a lamb across the shoulders.
I made a quick sketch-reminder
and took it to canvas a few weeks later.

I never know for sure what's going to happen
as the process of painting occurs.
I have an idea–like a seed.
Sometimes it turns into the plant and flower
you imagined it might be.
Sometimes it’s a surprise—a miracle or challenge.

The title of a painting usually
comes to me as I'm painting and the story is unfolding.
Other times like this one, it waits till the end.

“Return."
30” by 18”
oil on canvas