A1 (60 x 85 cm) acrylic on framed canvas  
by Eldest Sonshine, at age 17
 
Painted at the beginning of 2026, this darling painting encapsulates the energy with which we try to live through the Winter season; peacefully, gently, adorably, beautifully.
 
I got this gorgeous frame for free from a local parent whose son no longer wanted it. I love 2nd hand things; almost all my clothes are as well as our sons', toys, books, furniture and frames and canvases like this beauty.
 
Max was excited to have another huge canvas to paint on. I absolutely love this dark teal green he chose. As usual he began by adding bold but gentle sweeps and swirls of colour, giving them each a little blend before moving to the next colour. Once dry I noticed that the white section looked like a baby seal and that was that - Max asked to find a picture of a baby seal as a reference to paint from and he created this.
A simple, minimal collection of gorgeous marks and a baby seal was brought to life.
Max has this straightforward courage to make a mark and leave it as it is. He never worries over marks he's made, he never edits, he never overworks an artwork. It's truly a gift. I try to learn from him...
 
The drips from the top left you can see were actually done by me - I was having a go with a new product called 'crackle medium', I wanted to see what effect it would have. Turns out, not a huge amount... BUT! The effect it did have works perfectly for this cool, cosy artwork as - I think - it looks like ice dripping down the canvas!