Phil and I were married in April of 2006 in Charleston, SC. We later honeymooned in San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma, California. So, I guess I have a thing for gates (and wine). I started this sketch in 2007 inspired by a picture we took while walking around San Francisco. Through the gate of a stunning home, we glimpsed a peek of a gorgeous view beyond. I can still remember that day, that walk, that view! Stashed away for years, my original sketch represents early notions of marriage/goals/dreams. Occasionally, I’d pull out the old composition and reflect on the day, the start, our beginnings as a couple. Then, I’d carefully store it away like a photo album of old. Recently, I decided to develop the piece into more of my current style and liking. It was pretty and picturesque, but it lacked substance and boundaries and grit. It needed variety, texture, depth and boldness! Just as our marriage has grown and deepened and evolved over these years together, so this piece has emerged. I added layers of color and contrasts and allowed the lines to blur and stretch and blend. I even cropped away the extraneous margins. The focused result suits me better now. The proportions seem right, a better fit I think. So, we’ve moved through the gate; we’ve walked on together. And our view is ever expanding, and still so lovely.