And Last But Not Least . . . . #30 of 30

"The Gate of Harmonious Interest"

9" x 12" - Oil on Canvas

SOLD

The last painting of the challenge . . . . . . . .

Since it is Chinese New Year tomorrow, (year of the Horse), it was suggested that I paint something with an Asian theme.  Something involving lucky red envelopes and fortune cookies.  I had good intentions!!!  I always have lucky envelopes on hand and I even bought a bag of fortune cookies.  Alas, before you could say "Bob's your uncle" (yes Laur, I know he is!)  my boys devoured them!!!

As I wasn't about to venture out to the grocery store last night, I decided to paint the Gates instead. A little history. . . .the gates are at the entrance to Chinatown here in Victoria and were erected in 1981.  It was a joint project between China (where it was built) and Canada.  Two inscriptions allude to this cooperative effort: "To work together with one heart" and "To help each other achieve harmony." 

I've been hanging on to this picture for quite a while now.  I sketched this in last night and it wasn't really as difficult as I had anticipated.  Honestly, the trees intimidated me more than anything.  I see that I have the right lion off just a bit.  I'll need to fix him.  This was very fun to paint and I now have an intimate knowledge of the gates.  For all of these years I've seen them, but not really SEEN them.  

That's it folks!  That's 30 and I lived to talk about it.  Thank you so much to everyone who has followed every day!  I appreciate all of your wonderful comments.  Without you, it wouldn't have been nearly so fun!  A big thank you also to those of you who purchased my paintings.  Deb, I will get yours in the mail next week. 

Gung Hay Fat Choy!!!  (Happy New Year)