I just received a very sweet, short email from a painter named Lina Raymond, in which she describes modestly and simply that she has a show up in Ballard that includes two paintings that hold particular meaning to her.

She doesn't say why. She doesn't say what they mean. She doesn't need to.

Lina Raymond paints things she misses now, or knows she will miss soon. You can see that just by looking. Lately those things have included Abraxus Books in Ballard, and the trees they cut down to expand Swedish Hospital—the two subjects of the two paintings she would especially like to share.

Of those, I would especially like to share the trees portrait, which reminds me a little of something Brad Biancardi might have made. (Don't you miss Brad Biancardi?)

Building_Swedish__24_x_48__acrylic_on_wood.jpg

The show is at Cupcake Royale in Ballard through September, and Raymond's web site is here.