The First to Leave is a painting of baby birds with one ready to fly symbolizing the bittersweet joy when the first one tries his wings to fly and leaves home.

This time of year, such bittersweet joy for so many parents and children alike. As children graduate and are ready to test their wings, we are proud, excited for them, but yet it is hard to let them go.  The years we have loved, and given all to raise and nurture our children, all of the sudden we realize have flown by so very quickly.

This painting was commissioned by a friend as a gift for someone in their lives that is experiencing this year, the bittersweet joy of watching their first child graduate and leave for college.  I,  having two children just a couple of years ago leave for college really  understood the feelings of pride, joy , love and sadness both in the child leaving and those watching them leave, that comes with this time.

My desire was to symbolize the joy, pride and sadness both the child and the parents feel when they reach that time in their lives when  its :  "The First to Leave"