A wonderful surprise

I can't begin to tell you, what a wonderful surprise and meaningful gift I got from our youngest son for my birthday.  My family knows how much I love to spend time in our yard.  It was so fitting that he commissioned an acquaintance of his to do a water color painting incorporating our back yard and deck where we spend so much time. 

It started as a sketch she made from photos that Scott took ~

After they were satisfied with the sketch, she proceeded to bring it to life with water color paints ~

And this is the finished product!   I keep looking at it, finding little touches that make it our home.  The tin star on the back of the house, the Husker birdhouse on the little table, the birdfeeders, the hummingbird feeder, my wheelbarrow filled with blooming flowers, my red wagon (aka salad planter) on the deck, and the chairs and grill arranged on the deck as we have them,  right down to one of our cats, Joey sitting at the door.  There is the little Redbud tree, and our huge Pin Oaks in the front, which form the house.  She did leave out the River Birch clump from the island planter, because it would have covered the view of the deck.  The little bunnies are Don and me enjoying the view. 

Earlier in the year, she participated in a benefit art show for the Japanese Tsunami where Scott purchased one of her pieces.

I am so impressed with her work.  Nicole Gustafsson  has done many art shows - locally and throughout the US.  She also has a blog and an etsy shop.  Her work is so interesting and detailed - she has everything from paintings - seasonal and nature, cards, brooches, and ornaments.  Take a peek and there may be a great gift idea waiting for you to purchase for someone.  Thank you Nicole for such a wonderful piece of art.  And thank you Scott for such a touching gift.  I love it ! ! !