This is a studio version of a plein air painting that I created on location in Governor Dodge State Park. As I was painting that painting, a little boy hopped out of the car and asked his dad if he could hold his “wishing pole.” I chuckled at his mispronunciation because it’s more accurate that the correct way of saying it. As I kept painting, I realized that many elements of my composition were probably wishing for something…the kayaks were hoping for a paddle, the boy was dreaming of catching a fish, the little sister was wishing she could fish, the mom, well, she was hoping for many things, probably… We all have dreams. What are you wishing for?

Created with a limited palette of these pigments: Cadmium Lemon Yellow (PY35), Quinacridone Magenta (PR122), Ultramarine Blue (PB29) and Titanium White (PW6).