As many followers of this blog know, most of the subjects I choose to paint have an associated memory or story, and I tell you those stories here whenever I finish a painting. Over social media or at art events, I’ll also learn of the stories that my paintings conjure up for you.

The collector that purchased my new miniature, “Beautiful Batlló, Barcelona”, told me her story, and it will now be what I forever associate with this painting. She had longed dreamed of visiting Barcelona to see all the Gaudi treasures, and after many years, she finally got to travel there recently. When she arrived, she took the subway system into the city, getting off at the stop for Casa Batlló. Walking up the stairs to street level, this incredible building was her first vision of Barcelona and her first Gaudi building. She said she was so overwhelmed in the moment of seeing the building that she stood there and wept – a long-held dream had come true!

As she told me the story, she was becoming emotional and that opened up my floodgates, too. We stood there, both trying to hold back our tears.

This is one of the main reasons I make this art – to continually remind ourselves of those moments when we’ve been blessed and open enough to experience wonder, beauty and awe.

#155 – Beautiful Batlló, Barcelona – sold

2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour

In addition to her story, the collector also shared a photo of the painting in its new forever home:

We don’t take a trip. A trip takes us. – John Steinbeck