I was painting this last week and I wasn't really certain what it was about, but I have painted this girl leaving before.

I painted this picture a year ago or so, and in both pictures I intended to paint something totally different when I began painting.  So, I was scratching my head, wondering why I paint this over and over.  When I saw the Illustration word "launch", it occured to me that these paintings are about launching my kids into the world.  I've always thought of them as little boats that have to be sea worthy.  Perhaps a little bit of a strange idea, but I was carefull to try and fix their leaks and set them on the right course so  they could sail off successfully.  Time will tell whether I was successful.  I'm hoping they are all happy little boats!
If you are a father, Happy Fathers Day!

Here's my newest little ACEO!  It was inspired by this months challenge word for the Melange Etsy Team, "Growth".  The rocky looking background was created using Citra-Solv.  Once you do a National Geographic magazine with this product you have a great supply of very interesting paper.  See their web site for instructions if you want to try it.  The end result is worth the mess!

My latest ACEO was inspired by the Illustration Friday word, "Swept".  After thinking a lot about brooms, I began to think about being swept away.  What do we get swept away by? ...Love....Music...And making Art! 
Have a great weekend!