A great painting begins with great references, and I had our daughters’ bunny “Hoppy” following me around the studio and sleeping on my feet at the easel. But the real gem was a photo a friend took of a child with a mesmerizing expression. I prayed I could capture the protective look, the tightness of her mouth, and the grip she had on her bunny.

I decided to change the scene. Flowers became straw, and a prissy shirt was traded for overalls. Her blue jean hat became a large straw one. I have painted many children through the years, but if I may claim an artist’s favorite, All Mine would be it.

I painted furiously, hoping to make my deadline, but I had to surrender my efforts to the FedEx driver when he arrived. I was frustrated to ship an unfinished work. However, weeks later when the art samples arrived, All Mine was just the right amount of unfinished.

Today, the original painting of All Mine hangs in the foyer of our new mountaintop home. The young child greets me, clinging to her bunny, and I still haven’t decided if she will share or not. But I do know her eyes are a mystery, for no matter where I stand, or where I go, she follows me!