There has always been something so comforting about you. When I was first in the hiring office I would frantically sit with a wall of 300 black & white polaroid pictures, trying to learn names. I remember you, Peggy, and Eric.  Next to each person, I had put a phrase to remember their face with their name. Yours said “Erica - eyes like stars.” 

You were always so kind to me, with the best eyelashes and a grace I could only hope to carry myself with. You radiated a grounded, precise harmony in your work and relationships and with your surroundings. Your husband's beauty matches yours but he is grounded to the earth, whereas you are more celestial like a star - your Sons are a perfect match to share this life and space with. The three of them chose well. Hugo is the Earth. You are the star. This portrait of those meetings makes up a symbol of your family. 

It isn’t often I paint in Earth tones and the phrase “As above so below” kept resonating with me. All of these colors represent the qualities of your family. You are the white and sparkle that pulls all of it together. Hugo the deep earth-toned brown and gold as his spirit is so close to the Earth. Devon, bronze as he brings so much positivity and strength to everyone. Robert is the green, the heart-balanced, and caring. Aiden is all of the blue - expressive and talkative, creative and quick. I hope that together in this portrait, this Earth Star, you can catch it in your vision sometimes and be reminded of the beauty that your family creates. You have always been so kind and enthusiastic to me. I have no doubt your Sons are the same way to others, making this world a safer, more happy, and loving place. 

Earth tones are courageous, healing, grounding, and protective. When I saw you daily I was in a situation where I felt like I was always failing, but you had a way of making me feel as if I were talented, and appreciated, and loved. This is all I think any of us really want when it comes down to it. The movement in the painting is busy and intense but not chaotic. It takes a lot of strength and heart to keep a whole family growing together and not apart - where the days are long but the years are short - and not in chaos. So there is an abundance of movement in the portrait but it all fits together like a puzzle. 

My paintings are shapeshifters. Sometimes you will see things in them that aren’t there when you look again. This is normal. It’s really fun to ask young kids what they see in the paintings, like watching clouds and picking out shapes. Thank you for sharing your heart and energy and grace with me so I could adequately portray the illumination of the spirit of your family. I promise I will continue working as hard as I can so that this piece of art will be an investment that will give your family many options in the future. Thank you for believing in me to create something custom, special and radiant for your spirit, your home.