This painting is very special to me. It reunited me with a long-lost love, a former flame who was by my side when I first started painting and who stayed with me for years.

It was I who ultimately let them go. Not intentionally, we just drifted apart, our connection fading little by little until it was gone. Every so often I’d think about my old love, feel a twinge of guilt, then move on. Life was fine without them. Or so I thought.

Then I started painting this seascape. Once I began, my old love suddenly came roaring back into my life. They sat next to me, encouraging me, guiding me, helping me paint better, smoother, faster.

They’ve stayed by my side nonstop ever since, offering tips and tricks while I work on other paintings, especially a large commission, reminding me how effortless things can feel when we’re together.

So who is this lost love of mine?

Ryan? Chris? Eric? John?

Nope.

Brian? Gary? Oscar? Graham?

Not even close.

It’s the fan brush.

Oh fan brush, how I’ve missed you. I can’t believe I let our silence go on for so long. How did I paint all these years without you?

In all seriousness, this brush has really been changing the flow of my work for the better. It’s saving me a ton of time (and sanity), helping paintings make sense again, and bringing a lot of joy back into painting. I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve used it. The last brush to sweep me off my feet like this was the script liner.

Now it’s the fan brush’s turn. I’ll always remember this pretty pink seascape for bringing my long lost love and me back together.