“Stillness in Joy”

“Stillness in Joy” 30in x 40in, acrylic paint on canvas, 2024

In Stillness in Joy, I painted my dog as I often see him. Not just sitting, but being. There’s a soft smile on his face, one that feels uncannily human. It’s not the grin of excitement or play, but something quieter. It’s the look of someone who’s been with you long enough to understand your silences. Someone who doesn’t need much to be content.. just your presence, maybe a patch of light on the floor, and the quiet knowing that everything is okay for now.

I chose black and white because emotion lives clearly in simplicity. Without color, we’re left with body language, expression, stillness… things we don’t always slow down enough to notice. My dog teaches me that. In him, I see the version of myself I’m always chasing: calm, grounded, whole.

This painting isn’t really just about him. It’s about what he reflects back. The quiet joy of feeling safe, of sitting with someone who makes the world feel a little softer. It’s a moment we all long for.. and often miss in the rush. In capturing his stillness, I found my own.