The original idea for this painting was to be about lost innocence and youth due to aging. I was planning to have it look like these items were left in an attic, the Grandfather's old hat and cane and the toys of a child who has grown up. I was going to try to make the horse and bear look alive but that there was no one to play with. A sick version of Toy Story except with no new toys to be added. The composition was almost the same with the exception that the teddy bear was lying on the floor next to the rocking chair. Needless to say it was slightly depressing. It was also the center piece for the gallery show of 2006.
Everyone who heard the idea said the same thing..."Are you nuts?!!!!!"
All I had to do was put the bear in the chair and a smile on the horse it had the exact opposite effect. Suddenly it was cute and animated and fun .....and had none of my original idea in it.
I am not unhappy with how it turned out. Many of the objects belong to my father and I am glad it turned out to be an uplifting piece. I am however planning on making a second version of this painting the way I had originally intended it to be.