"The Japanese have a term called Momiji gari, which is thought of as a holiday where the citizens go to the fields and mountains to enjoy the changing colors of autumn leaves. The same custom is repeated when viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. This custom is documented as far back as 600 AD. In autumn the aristocracy would set out in boats in the garden ponds to take in the scenery while playing instruments. After the 1600s the custom extended to the common classes. It seems that since ancient times the Japanese have been fond of the beauty contained by short-lived nature.

When I was a young girl I had a handful of opportunities to visit my family in Illinois during the fall months because of school. During those visits my Grandfather would take me for a ride past the forrest preserve, and the leaves were such a bright golden yellow that the image still remains as one of the best visual experiences in my lifetime. I miss that color just as I miss my Grandfather, so this painting is my dedication to the beauty contained by short-lived nature."