This is the final painting of the series, and one that carries a lot of meaning for me. It was last winter on one of the coldest days of the year that I found myself on Lincoln Ave. in the middle of beautiful Lincoln Park. Lincoln is typically a bustling avenue that passes through multiple neighborhoods. However, on this bitterly cold day, it felt lonely with the street and sidewalks practically empty. The solitude almost felt like sadness and heartache in that moment. However, as I looked down the avenue, I also noticed the sunlight, the reflections, and sky. They were stunning.

So, as I began to capture this moment on my canvas, my dog, Buddy, was by my side where he planted himself without exception whenever I painted. But after a small break from working on this piece, I had to unfortunately return to it without him. He was no longer by my side and his absence was profound. Honestly, it was not easy to finish it without him. But I realized many of the feelings I was experiencing and still are related to his loss, mimic what this painting is all about, an emotional rawness possibly from my grief, or maybe from loneliness, or even just sorrow that creeps in and out of life. But also, it's an awareness that there is beauty and light somewhere down the road. There must be.

With Buddy being so present during the creation of this entire series, he of course had the honor of being the pup to bring it to its completion. He, and a purposely nondescript me, are the only two in the painting. He tolerated the coldest of days better than I ever did and always remained curious and interested in his surroundings no matter the conditions. Here in the painting, something piqued his interest across the street, perhaps another dog, maybe a squirrel or even our friendly mail carrier who spoiled him with daily treats.  Whatever the curiosity was that Buddy always had, I will always remember it and hope to carry it with me wherever I go.