On Guard For Thee: The Police Officer who Could Touch the Sun.
“She is the most thoughtful friend with the biggest heart. She surprised me with this gift for my birthday..” -The Officer Who Could Touch The Sun
Why Art
One of the reasons that art is so important, is that it is so subjective. The meaning behind a work of art varies from person to person - Your neighbor would have a very different view and emotional response to a painting than you. Because I am an artist, I get to engage people on an emotional/personal level- and it is such a gift and honor. The meaning behind On Guard For Thee - for me, is completely different for you - and that is the magic of art. If something in this painting resonates with you - that is what is meaningful to me.
About On Guard For Thee
This painting was commissioned by Officer K, who intended it to be a surprise birthday gift for a friend & colleague. This painting is an 8”x10” watercolor painting on 140 pound Arches Paper. On Guard For Thee was one of the first landscape-style paintings I have ever tried to paint! There are a lot of elements in this painting that were unplanned, but turned out absolutely magical! On Guard For Thee - Named by Officer K, turned out so well that we had prints made, and greeting cards. This painting has over-time become a beautiful inspiration to women in the RCMP from all over Canada of which I am so grateful to hear and is a dream come true.
Work In Progress Photos
Behind the Scenes - What Makes This Art So Meaningful
I am incredibly thankful to be able to not only paint this special gift, but to also share the meaning behind this painting for both Officer K, and the Officer that received the painting as her gift.
A Special Note from Officer K -
“Ever since I’ve known her [the officer in the painting], she has been my rock in my own journey. She’s been there for me through thick and thin and never once judged me for my weakness.
She is such a strong woman. Beautiful not only on the outside, but on the inside. No matter what life throws at her, she’s a fighter!
We’ve gone through this journey together and I am so proud to call her a sister in red.”
-Officer K
A Special Note from the Officer in the Painting-
“Good morning! Love the paintings. The back story is that my great friend [Officer K], as I’m sure you know her, have been friends for [Many] years. Both of us were Auxiliary Constables for the RCMP in [Canada] when we met. We became super close. She has always been a role model to me. Both of us wanted to become Regular Members with RCMP. Both of us were in the application process together. She got pretty far into the process but I was deferred for one year. She ended up going to depot and we kept in touch. I continued to pursue the RCMP after my deferral and by this time she had been a member for a year or so. She was posted to [A Really Cool City]. Finally, I went to depot and was posted to [An Even Cooler City]. All throughout depot she would send me care packages and letters. I truly followed in her footsteps because both of us ended up getting injured during depot and had our share of difficulties. Both of us had to overcome obstacles but we persevered.” - The Officer Who Could Touch The Sun
Please Note: Anything written in [parentheses] has been edited for anonymity/clarity. Everything is posted with permission and can be edited at any time. Thank you both for sharing, so much.
Framed Photos, Prints, Greeting Cards, & More
