The Family Tree is a portrait of a family from Phillip Island. They had been following my work for some time and have always loved the connection, colour and life my paintings brought to the world. As I was talking to this family, they were telling me stories of their life, what they have done and who they are.
What struck the biggest chord was their amazing generosity and love, not only their own family, but for those around them.
When I paint a commission piece, I try to capture the essence of what makes those people who they are, rather than painting a literal portrait. What made this family special was their gift of giving.
They’re a solid foundation for many people around them, which is what I made the focal point for this painting.
The tree in this piece represents the couple at the heart of the family. Their children are hanging off their branches and playing safely around the trunk. Their neighbours, friends, extended family and community are all protected and housed by them – one beautiful, golden, flowering tree.
They are a tree that only gets more and more beautiful as the years go by and as their family gets older, allowing those closest to them to be loved and protected for their lifetime.
