ORIGINAL PAINTING

We Dream in Colors

view detail

The auction for this piece has closed. My heartfelt thanks to those who helped raise the money for this project. For more information about how you can continue to support these women, and wome like them, please visit Through-Her-Eyes.org.

This painting is part of an invitational art project, Through Her Eyes, helping women survivors of war-torn countries acquire the tools they need to rebuild their lives and learn self-sufficiency in the face of civil strife and uncertainty.

These ladies captured my attention and respect the moment I saw the photograph of them. It was one of those photographs I refer to as my "specials" - one of the ones that makes my heart leap to my throat so fast I have to actually grab hold of it so I can keep my heart from pounding out of my skin.

My goal for this painting is to show how each generation learns new ways to improve their lives. I attempted to show that by adding more color  to each generation as you move forward in the painting. So, you'll notice in the painting that the youngest generation has the most intense colors and (philosophically) the brightest future. Being an artist, I know how joyful color can be. I was inspired to name the painting after a song with a similar title.

I believe what these women have accomplished, especially given all they have endured, is remarkable and I greatly admire their strength and willingness to learn in the face of all they have to conquer ~ still. I enjoyed my time visiting with them (at the easel)  while attempting to put my respect for them on paper.