the two cities

Today we have a different-kind-of portrait that goes across continents. A tale of two cities, if you will. There’s something incredibly special about painting family portraits—capturing the essence of love, togetherness, and the unique personalities that make each family extraordinary. One of my recent projects was a commissioned watercolor portrait that told a heartwarming story of connection across oceans. This piece was a gift from one family (of three) to another big, beautiful family of six. The challenge? Bringing together nine unique individuals, each with their own personality, into one cohesive and harmonious painting. 

One more thing that made this portrait even more special was its background. One family lives in Chicago, and to celebrate that, I included some of the city’s most iconic landmarks like the towering skyscrapers, the Bean (Cloud Gate), and other historic landmarks. The other family lives in Timisoara, Romania, a place that holds deep meaning for the ones who commissioned this piece and for myself as well. This cityțs landmarks included the Opera, the Cathedral and the Water Tower. To visually bridge the distance between these two places, I delicately blended landmarks from both cities into the background, creating a seamless connection across continents. This detail added a personal touch, turning the portrait into more than just a painting—it became a story of friendship, heritage, and the bonds that remain strong no matter the miles between them.

 

With such a large family to portray, I made sure each member’s personality shone through in their expressions, clothing, and posture. Watercolor, with its softness and fluidity, allowed me to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, capturing both the joyful spirit of the family and the gentle nostalgia of their story. This portrait was a reminder of how art can transcend distance and time, turning a moment into something everlasting. Whether it’s through a smile, a hidden hint of someone's passion, or the landmarks that connect people across borders, this painting tells a story of love, friendship, and belonging.

I hope this portrait brings joy to the family it was meant for, serving as a beautiful reminder of the bonds that hold them close, no matter where they are in the world. And knowing this painting would soon find its home in Chicago made my heart full. It’s projects like these that remind me why I love creating art—not just for the beauty of it, but for the emotions, stories, and connections it carries.