This painting began in an unexpected moment of clarity. As I placed the toned canvas into its frame to check the fit, the entire scene appeared in my mind—soft clouds, a quiet waterfall, and a valley filled with gentle light. The block-in flowed so easily and joyfully that I chose to leave much of it in that first, expressive state. Its rawness feels true to the moment it came.

That day, I felt a joyful spirit supporting me—lifted, helped, and inspired by heaven. As I worked, a scripture kept coming to mind: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8). There are times when heaven feels closer, when a quiet reassurance settles in and reminds us we are not creating or living alone. This painting carries that sense for me.

A Place Not Far from Heaven is my attempt to preserve that grace-filled moment just as it arrived—simple, soft, and full of peace.