Sometimes there is a bigger sense of joy in giving a personalised gift than receiving one – imagine your friend or loved one’s surprise when they open their present. This was the actual response of this bespoke gift that was received of an art commission I painted of their favourite Sydney Harbour beach.

One of their social media posts sparked the idea to paint this scene to celebrate their love of the harbour and be a memorable nod to such a big birthday. Being provided the image ensured I knew what had to be painted and understood that portraying a relaxed boating feeling on a summer’s day is what we wanted to evoke.

Commissioning a special memory as a painting means that cherished moment in time lives on and on – now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!