Wow, painting number 8 out of 10! This is an exciting moment. We are nearing the finish line – and this piece has been circling my head for near on a year now.
I didn’t actually take the reference photos for this piece in conjunction with the other concepts. I took it many months before I even knew I would be showing at Galleri Melefors. We were out on Ålleberg mountain here in Falköping, wandering the fields and trees as we do. I took this image the last thing I did, thinking how beautiful and dreamy it would be in a purpely blue palette.
![When I Believed in Magic SHARE file CORRECTED When I Believed in Magic full oil painting by Christina Ridgeway](https://christinaridgewayart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/When-I-Believed-in-Magic-SHARE-file-CORRECTED.jpg)
I had been thinking about this concept, then I dreamt about taking photos of a blonde girl sitting amongst rolling hills with the title “When I Believed in Magic (all I could see was you)” floating through my head. The dream reminded me very much of these reference photos and it all came together.
![detail wolves sunset when i believed detail of wolves when i believed in magic oil painting](https://christinaridgewayart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/detail-wolves-sunset-when-i-believed.jpg)
Wolves have been a central part of this entire collection. They have been menacing, tempting, protective and aloof. Here I imagine them calm, as she is calm. Lost in a daydream, in a memory, a thing passing through the mind. The title reminds me very much of when I am connected to a more spiritual part of myself and the things and situations that cross my mind appear with rose tinted glasses. When we believe everything and everyone is connected, somehow it brings a sense of peace.
![detail butterfly blanket when i believed detail of foliage in field when i believed in magic](https://christinaridgewayart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/detail-butterfly-blanket-when-i-believed.jpg)
It brings me peace knowing that everyone that comes into my life does so for a reason. Even if things hurt, even if it makes me uncomfortable or sad or even beyond happy… they are there for a reason. Underneath it all, in a way, we are all the same. They affect me, I affect them. It’s a give and take. The how is lost in the mystery and magic though at times.
![closeup girl when i believed girl sitting with star blanket when i believed in magic christina ridgeway](https://christinaridgewayart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/closeup-girl-when-i-believed.jpg)
Love and emotions can be blinding. But they are one thing we can’t run from sometimes and simply need to sit and feel.
This painting measures 45 x 60 cm and will be available through Galleri Melefors (available with a frame!) so if you are interested in giving it a home be sure to get in touch!