Late Summer Stroll

It becomes necessary in every starving artist's career to supplement one's income with odd jobs. One of those jobs for this artist is housecleaning for an elderly couple.

One day this past summer, I sat in my car for several minutes listening to voicemail messages after I finished cleaning. The wife had mentioned they were going for a walk, so after I hung up and was exiting their neighborhood, I saw them walking arm-in-arm in the park across the street with the late afternoon sun shining down on them. I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and snapping a picture.

The husband, a retired, highly-decorated officer with 36 years of service in the US Air Force, and the wife, a financial advisor and housewife, have been married for 46 years. Witnessing this candid moment warmed my heart, and I knew the photo would make a good reference picture for a painting one day.

I had intended to complete the painting in time for Christmas, but working retail (the other way I supplement my income) doesn't allow any spare time around the holidays. It's mid-January, and I just now finished the painting. Ah, well, better late than never, right?

As soon as the oil paint dries, I'll be varnishing it and picking out a rustic frame to go along with their home's decor. Won't it be a lovely surprise for them in a week or so when they're not even expecting it?

I titled this oil on stretched canvas "Late Summer Stroll," and it is not for sale. Thanks for looking!




Sketching the layout.

Blocking in the greens.

They live on a golf course, and herds of deer are always meandering through their yard year round, so I added a doe and fawn to their painting.

The lovebirds strolling through the park.

Signing the painting. You can see the photo I worked from on my laptop screen at the top of the photo.

If you would like a painting done for yourself or someone you know, please contact me at stepmercjohn@gmail.com or call 719-237-1273. Thanks for looking!