…is the name of today’s story on Fictive Dream.
Throughout the month of February 2021 I will be showing you illustrations I did for Flash Fiction February 2021 at Fictive Dream, an online short-story magazine. For more information about FFF21 and my artwork process, look here.
Here’s the image editor Laura Black chose for this story, Grazie, by Jude Higgins.
And here is the artwork with the banner. Take a look at this image. And then…
Read the story at Fictive Dream.
Claudia McGill and Her Art World 
These are all so gorgeous, Claudia. Every single day, a real treat.
Thank you, Nancy (how nice to see you, by the way!). You know how I like to just let the colors go, and I think this project is really well suited to inspiring me to make a variety of compositions and colors and shapes and I go on and on…But really, when I was working on these, one piece really did lead to another. I could have kept right on going.
I agree, every day is a treat and today’s artwork is no exception. Grazie by Jude Higgins is a lovely, uplifting story and I chose this particular illustration for its gorgeous palette that not only engages with the text, but also is reminiscent of childhood. The green engages with the narrator’s green shoes (and her memories), and the pink circles I interpret as the biscuits that are key to this story. Thank you, Claudia, another perfect match.
Thank you. I loved this illustration myself when I made it – I really like the color combination – I consider it one of hope and rebirth and a better day today and even better tomorrow kind of association. I loved this story and it made me feel happy to read it. After doing so I also interpreted the pink as cookie icings, reminding me of a bakery I got such items from say about 40 years ago. Where fiction and art take us! We never know until we are there.
I love the way your colour palette recalls both the purchased confections and the festive green shoes. It really highlights that sense of celebrating every day with little treats that I think is a strong message in the story.
Yes, I think so too. I was put in mind of some iced cookies a bakery near my college sold, 40+ years ago and I still remember them.
Love the pinks and greens and that was a wonderful short story. I remember visiting Italy and “Grazie” got me a long way – people appreciate graciousness and gratefulness.
Thank you. I love this color combination too. And you are right. A thank you is very important, in any language.
You are right, this is a wonderful story. And your painting is, once again, perfect. (K)
I do love pink and green. I think of Lilly Pulitzer and iced cookies from Walter’s Swiss Pastries.
It’s cheerful. Spring!