20 × 30 inches | Oil on canvas | Gift | Completed in July 2023.
One day we took our grandson, Max, to the playground by the Canning River near our home. I snapped this photo of him and his Grampa watching and talking about the seagulls, then sent it to his mum Ally to show her what they were up to.
We both loved the photograph, especially the quiet affection it captured. Max is leaning against his Grampa’s leg with one little foot resting on Grampa’s shoe – a simple gesture that spoke so beautifully of love, trust and security.
I knew I had to paint it.
I jokingly threatened to sell the finished painting, but Ally quickly replied, “No way!” So instead, we gave it to her as a birthday gift, and she was thrilled.
This painting was also exhibited in one of the Canning Art Group’s Christmas exhibitions, where it was honoured with the People’s Choice Award.