"About five years ago someone told me about a pretty blonde girl who lived nearby. I finally got to meet her one Sunday morning at church and was taken by her wholesome country looks and her light blonde hair. I asked her to pose for me and she said yes. I was surprised because she was somewhat shy.

"I used her in the painting not only as a true portrait but also as a symbol for summertime. Many artists have used the figure in a symbolic way. Ashley represented to me the countryside, summer and sunshine.

"She posed with her mother's best tea set at her home. I used a totally different background- the rolling hills of Bainbridge are seen only slightly in the background and at our local track (which I walk on often for exercise) you can see the wonderful lush trees when they have leaves.

"The painting was started in February 2003 and completed in September of 2005. It was the most time consuming painting I've ever done for my gallery.

Daniel K. Tennant