Penelope

• Size (h w d): 24 x 30 x 1.5 in
• Medium: oil on canvas
• Subject Matter: Still Life
• Type: Painting

It started last summer at the library. I saw a woman wearing these shoes, and something about them stopped me in my tracks. Maybe it was the colors, maybe it was the quiet confidence in how she wore them—but I instantly knew I wanted to paint them. It took me weeks to work up the courage to say hello. I finally introduced myself (my heart racing), but in all my anxiety, I forgot to ask for her name or contact info.

That moment stuck with me. I haven’t seen her since—believe me, I would’ve tried again. But I do remember her telling me something that I’ve never forgotten: her husband takes photos of every pair of shoes he’s ever owned. That little detail made me feel like we would’ve understood each other.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember her name, but I feel like it started with a P. So I’ve named this painting “Penelope”—a tribute to her and that fleeting but meaningful interaction.