At the time I took the reference of Brook for this painting, she was 16 weeks pregnant & participating in a ranch rodeo. I later attended a branding the following spring where she had her newborn with her just days after giving birth.

I am forever impressed by the women I meet while out and about collecting inspiration for my paintings. As a mother of three I could not fathom being pregnant, riding a horse, roping, and then after giving birth- being present for a family branding.

I thought about how the women I meet each show up no matter where they are in life- both for work and play. It’s becoming harder to find that kind of grit in our fast paced world, and I find Brook’s example refreshing. We can all learn a lot from those who show up every day and give it everything they’ve got.