There is nothing quite like that first burst of summer, when all is well with the world. For me, that feeling is perfectly personified by Skye, literally leaping like a deer through the open fields with a massive doggie smile, her tail wagging, and the wind in her ears as she awakens the warm scent of wheat and flowers.

When I sat down to paint this piece, I wanted to capture the serene landscape of those joyful moments. This painting is an intimate, zoomed-in look at a field of Queen Anne’s Lace—a quiet study of delicate blossoms catching the summer light. While Skye isn't physically in the frame, her vibrant energy is woven into every brushstroke. For me, it sums up the very essence of unbridled summer joy.