The main elements in this picture are my way of illustrating, autobiographically, three important influences in my life.

 1st -The 'Spirit Horse' is my power animal. I have loved to ride like the wind since a child and this horse came to me in a dream, just like he is shown here nuzzling my forehead, saying "Everything is going to be alright".

2nd - Whales occupy a good deal of my attention. I have sought them out quite ‘up close and personally’, like the Orca whales in this painting that my husband and I spent time with while kayaking and camping in their wilderness many times. We have also swum in the wild with Humpback whales and dolphins.

3rd - Irises have been a source of painting images for me - beginning with my mother's garden and my own and many other irises where ever I can find them in my travels.

The 31.50 inch x 28 inch piece is done with soft pastels on sanded paper and mat with my carved and painted frame. Below you can see detailed photos of the carved frame. – G.P.L.