As someone who hates making decisions, choosing Christmas presents is an annual torture ritual. Decide what to give, where to get it, what’s the best price – or decide to make it, which then begs the questions: how to make it, what medium, what style. 

My poor brain.

Thankfully, this year, I didn’t struggle (too much) on one gift: for my fiance.

We have this pose we love, thanks to a candid photo our friend Amanda took of us last year. We recreate that pose often, and it makes a great subject for a painting. 

A painting! Bingo.

And since we went to London a few months ago, that would make a perfect setting.

Decision made.

I call it a painting, but technically it’s mixed media: painted sky/water, marker everything else, and pen detailing.

Miracle No.1: I made a decision. 

Miracle No.2: I got it done on time.

And you shoulda seen him when he unwrapped it ♡ As he said in a Facebook post later, “Kleenex stock went up by a couple of points.”

Happy, happy me. Until next year 😉