Looking for Elaine

• Acrylic, mixed medium
• An original
• Framed
• 102.5x 78cms

Looking for Elaine. On Christmas Eve, I travelled to Cultra to collect some items for Christmas Day. It's an area that I’m not in so often, so I drove down Cultra Avenue to the water's edge. And as I looked across the Lough, I noticed where I was going next, which was Whiteabbey, directly across the Lough, to see my dear friend Elaine.

 This painting really is about that moment of calmness on Christmas Eve, when I took a chance to breathe, enjoy the view and try to be present. Before I headed off to travel around the Lough, I thought about how grateful I am to be at peace, excited to see my pals of 25 years, to visit Elaine in her beautiful home and to catch up before Christmas.

 Having amazing friends in my life is a true privilege. It’s so easy to drift apart as everyone gets busier, but for me, as an only child, these girls are my family, and I’m so grateful for them.

 This painting is a nod to friendship, to looking across the Lough and in looking forward. It was a joy to paint, and still makes me smile as I’m brought back to that moment. Many of my pieces have frenetic energy but when painting this one, I felt much calmer. The brushes and palette knives just flowed. 

Looking for Elaine …for the originals.