Fall Into the Black: A Collaborative Journey to Preserve a Cherished Memory

Some places connect with our hearts and souls, and will stay with us long after we leave them. For my clients, Joanne and Rick, the Black River is one such place—a source of frivolity, joy, and countless memories shared with family and friends. When they approached me with the idea of capturing one of their favourite spots in a painting, I knew this project would be something truly special.

This wasn’t just about creating art; it was about preserving the essence of a place that brings them so much happiness. Through collaboration, patience, and a journey that pushed my confidence and skills as an artist, Fall into the Black came to life as a centerpiece of connection and nostalgia in their home.

The Inspiration:

The story of this painting began on a beautiful autumn day along the Black River. Joanne and Rick invited me on a pontoon boat tour to show me the places along the way that held deep meaning for them. We planned a fall day for this because they also love the splashes of autumn colour amongst the foliage and on the water, and wanted that as part of their painting, too.

As we glided through the calm yet moving waters, admiring the scenery and vibrant foliage along the way, Joanne and Rick shared stories of their favourite spots. One of a few spots in particular stood out—a rocky outcrop hosting a tall pine with a swing rope attached for flying out over and dropping into the river. It’s a place where they and their loved ones spend time together, splashing into the water, laughing, and making memories.

That idea became the heart of this painting. I knew I had to capture not just the visual beauty of the scene, but also the connection to the story of place it represents for them.

The Collaborative Process:

After our trip, I reviewed the hundreds (I can't seem to help myself) of photos I had taken during the tour and selected a few images that I thought would translate beautifully into a painting. Together, we discussed the options and decided on one that would best capture the spirit of one of their favourite spots, in a painting.

To ensure the painting would fit perfectly into their home, I created digital mock-ups showing how different sizes of a finished piece would look in the intended space above their fireplace. This allowed them to visualize the artwork and choose the size that felt just right. Once we settled on the dimensions, I ordered a custom-sized cradled birch panel to bring the final piece to life.

One extra step in the process was creating a smaller, to-scale prototype of the painting. This gave us a chance to fine-tune the colours and composition and ensure the mood aligned with their vision. It was a collaborative effort, and their input helped shape the final piece into something meaningful for them.

The Creation:

Bringing Fall Into the Black to life was a labour of love and persistence and learning. I worked on this painting over several months, immersing myself in the details—the splashes of autumn colours amongst the persistent and varied greens, the texture of the rock, the tall pine with the rope swing and leaning ladder, and the gentle, undulating reflections on the river.

During this time, I also participated in workshops that helped me refine my techniques. Some of the approaches and ideas from these workshops became infused in the painting, helping me achieve the vision for this painting. The process was long, but Joanne and Rick's patience and trust gave me the freedom to create something I’m proud of and that fit what they were looking for. 

The Reveal:

When the painting was complete, it was a joy and affirming to see how much it meant to them. Now, Fall into the Black hangs proudly in their home, serving as a daily reminder of the memories they’ve made along the Black River.

Their reaction was everything an artist could hope for—they were thrilled with how the painting captured the essence of their favourite spot and the emotions tied to it, and how it added to their home. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a conversation starter, a shared memory, and a personal connection to a place they hold dear. They even had a reveal party with bottles of bubbly that night after I delivered the painting, and through a naming game, they and their friends came up with the title.

Reflections:

As an artist, projects like this remind me of why I love creating art. Art has the power to preserve the things we treasure most, and to transform fleeting moments into something timeless. For Joanne and Rick, Fall into the Black is more than a painting—it’s a piece of their story, a celebration of the joy and connection they’ve found in nature and with family and friends.

In light of recent heartache and heartbreak in their family, I hope this painting can provide a small source of comfort—a reminder of happy times and the enduring bonds of shared experiences. Art can never erase grief, but it has a way of holding space for our memories, offering warmth and reflection when we need it most.

I’m honoured to have been part of this journey and to have created something that contributes warmth and meaning into their home.

Here’s to the places that inspire us, the memories that shape us, and the art that keeps them alive. 💛

A note: I used ChatGPT to help with this post. Helped me get it done. Cheers.