I took this picture a few years ago when my now six year old was two. We were up at Camp Nissokone in Oscoda for the YMCA Family Camp. He had so much fun playing with that ball and in the sandy volleyball field. I’d clean him up and the next minute he’d be right back in the dirt. But I love that smiling, dirty face!

Since this is one of my favorite photos I decided to use it for tonight’s painting. And as a bonus it coincides with my goal of painting more portraits. I like it, but I admit I may be a bit biased by the subject matter. The true test comes in the morning when my harshest critic wakes up and passes judgement.

For today’s inspirational query, what comes to your mind when you think of dirt, and how can you use that to inspire your creativity today?