During the winter of 2023, the chill of winter had settled deep in the Lost River, but within the walls of my cozy loft studio, a warm summer dream was taking flight. My fingers, tinted with vibrant watercolors, danced across the paper, weaving a tale of a golden dragonfly, its iridescent wings shimmering against a backdrop of pristine white.

As the brush met the paper, my mind drifted away from the frosty landscape outside, transported to a sun-drenched meadow teeming with life. I could almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, hear the symphony of birdsong, and smell the intoxicating fragrance of wildflowers as my dogs snuggled close beside me in my winter hideaway.

The dragonfly, a symbol of transformation and new beginnings, seemed to embody the spirit of summer, a season of endless possibilities. With each tiny stroke of my brush, I breathed life into its delicate form, its wings a mosaic of shimmering gold, violet and amber, its eyes like gleaming jewels.

My studio, once a sanctuary against the winter’s harsh embrace, had transformed into a magical realm where summer held sway! The gentle hum of the heater echoed the buzz of insects, while the soft glow of my work lamp mimicked the golden rays of the sun.

As I painted, I could almost feel the gentle caress of a summer breeze, rustling through the leaves of imaginary trees and carrying with it the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Gosh, I love the smell of honeysuckle! The world outside faded away, replaced by a vivid tapestry of summer memories – lazy days spent in the yard picking wildflowers, hikes in the park, and evenings filled with star shine and the calls of barred owls.

With each passing hour, the golden dragonfly on my canvas grew more vibrant, its intricate wings shimmering with an almost ethereal glow. It seemed to dance across the white background, its every movement a testament to the enduring power of summer’s spirit!

As the final brushstrokes fell into place, I stepped back to admire my creation. The golden dragonfly, now complete, seemed to radiate warmth and light, a beacon of summer amidst the winter’s gloom. In that moment, I realized that my painting was more than just a depiction of an insect; it was a testament to the resilience of our inner spirits, our ability to dig deep and find joy and beauty even in the darkest of days.

The winter flew by while I was in my studio painting summer visitors. This dragonfly was immediately loved by my mother-in-law who exclaimed that it reminded her of playing on her parent’s farm during the mild summers in Ohio. Tell me, how do you endure your winters? Do you enjoy the cold or hunker down like me and dream of summer sun?

If you have any interest in purchasing a print of the “Golden Dragonfly” watercolor please fill out the form below and I will respond with purchase options for you!

If you are interested in more content visit my Patreon page.