I was standing on the tee box outside our gate, soaking in the colors of the Arizona sunset. Just as the sky dipped into those deep purples and oranges, a flock of geese flew overhead in their perfect V-formation. I could hear the soft hum of their wings flapping in unison, each beat vibrating in the air.

For a moment, everything felt in sync — their rhythm, the sunset, the stillness. It was one of those rare moments where the world hums with life, and you feel like you're right in the middle of it. It feels like the vibration of being alive.

That’s the pulse I felt when I started my painting, "The Goose," for a new speakeasy in Scottsdale called, well, The Goose.

I began with a bit of a mixed media mess for this oil painting. I laid down acrylic inks and used some mark-making techniques to cover the blank canvas. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with new supplies like spray paint, and having a studio in my garage has given me the freedom to get a little more wild with my materials — no more worrying about ruining carpets or walls!

With no plan in mind, I popped the top off a spray paint can and grabbed a few stencils I had lying around. I added some flowers and plant leaves to the sides of the canvas. Then, in one bold maneuver, I made a sweeping mark with the spray paint.

I took a step back, and in that moment, the painting spoke to me. That mark resembled the neck and head of a goose, and I immediately knew what this painting wanted to be. I envisioned a goose emerging from a portal of beauty, surrounded by lush flowers with an art deco flair and a contemporary twist. It wanted to be about beauty, transformation, and the grace of this bird that I’ve come to admire so much.

Usually, I’m the type of painter who starts with a sketch or source material, so I know exactly what I’m painting. But this one felt different — it was more intuitive. I didn’t have a set plan or color story in mind, and I let my instincts guide me. I created the painting’s reference photo after I had already started, rather than before. The freeing process allowed the painting to come to life on its own terms.

Living on a golf course in Scottsdale, I’m surrounded by lush grass, old trees, and three interconnected lakes with Camelback Mountain as a backdrop. This time of year, more geese arrive to make it their winter home, and every day, I’m lucky enough to watch them in their quiet moments — gliding across the water, soaring overhead, or even hissing and honking at each other.

I love to walk by the lakes, no phone, no distractions, just me, the geese, and the soft rustle of their feathers as they take off in a wave of flight. The more I watched them, the more I thought about what they symbolize: guidance, intuition, teamwork, and community. They fly in a V-formation for a reason — together, they move faster, fly farther, and reach their destination with more ease.

There was a time when I believed I could go it alone and that solitude was a strength. But as I reflected on these geese and their instinctual cooperation, I realized the beauty of having a tribe — people who lift you up, support your vision, and quicken your ascent.

Painting "The Goose" taught me something I’ll always carry with me. Yes, we can get by on our own, but with company — with those who have your back, cheer you on, and share your load — you fly farther and faster, just like those geese. We need others not only to survive but to thrive. I am reminded of all the wonderful people I have in my tribe, like you, who are loving, nurturing, and eager to support my artistic vision.

I’m honored to have had the opportunity to create this piece for The Goose Speakeasy. If you’re in Scottsdale, I encourage you to visit this incredible spot for a unique, one-of-a-kind experience and see "The Goose" painting displayed at the entrance.

You can find The Goose at 8300 Hayden Rd, Suite F102, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed by the atmosphere — or the cocktails!

And, if you’d like to bring a little of "The Goose" into your own space, I’ve turned this painting into a framed print, now available on my website. May this print serve as a daily reminder that with company, you can always soar higher.

Thank you for being part of my tribe and for supporting this journey. Birds of a feather, indeed, flock together. Together, we’ll keep flying higher.