My mother was an artist. She passed away in 1999. Only a few months ago, I found some of her paint that is still usable. It is purple, my favorite color. I put a tiny bit of that paint in every painting I create because I feel it connects us in a small yet significant way. When I paint, I listen to music that my subject either created, or loves. It helps me find the right creative energy, and I enjoy the different journeys I get to take through the various genres, from Aretha Franklin, to Willie Nelson, to Dimebag Darrell, to PopSmoke, to people who just love Michael Jackson, or Mozart. Finally, I paint a tiny heart somewhere on the painting. I feel like these small gestures honors my subject, my client, and myself while putting positive energy out in the world.