This painting was done of one of my friends Mark. I traveled from Santa Ynez, California to Seattle, Washington to paint my friend. I had met Mark a year ago at a spiritual event. Mark has one of the biggest hearts and gentlest souls I have met. I am lucky to call him my friend, mentor and fellow adventurer in life. Because of this, it was really important for me to imprint him.
As with all my paintings, I first paint the background. The background is to hold the space for him. All my backgrounds are painted by hand. I really feel the canvas and focus on this space as a place for my subject. For Mark’s background I knew I wanted him to stand in the mountains and be touched by the sky. Mark is a climber so the background would represent one of his passions. Here’s Mark’s canvas and a photo of him opening the box.
Next, Mark selected his colors and then we got to painting.
Mark shares his words about this painting and experience here.
Meet my incredible, heart-centered friend and divine goddess, Suz Alexandra.
Suz imprints souls.
Your soul.
Capturing your essence in what equated to two paintings in one.
First, she designs an environment that embodies your essence. Once completed, she coordinates with you on the colors and poses, and transplants that onto the canvas.
Unless your’e me, and trust her to make all the decisions, knowing she knows on a soul level.
Needless to say, she nailed it!
When I unwrapped the canvas, that had been so painstakingly protected on its way here on her flight, it sobered my joking and frivolity.
Goosebumps…
And then, imposter syndrome.
How could I contribute to this MASTERPIECE? My ego incredulously cried.
You’re wondering if you should be left off the print, Suz voice echoed my thoughts.
This is you, Mark, she continued, matter-of-factly. It’s you and for you, she said.
You are the artist, I replied solely. I trust you.
And yet, I had no idea what magic she’d unleash. But, then that’s the secret behind great art. It contains so many layers, secrets, universes…
Words cannot express how much Suz’ magic moved me. To tears, reflection, appreciation, love.
This was an amazing experience that I’ll have captured forever, on both my wall and in my soul.
Mark also commented on the painting itself.
- The gold – is Suz’ signature color
- It looks as if I’m petting, holding or feeding the big bird in the painting
- There are light rays descending from the clouds towards my melting ego
- It looks as if I’m breathing in or out the clouds
- The spinal pattern looks like a forest
My Soul Prints mean different things to each person.
I am honored to have the chance to capture Mark’s inner beauty.