"Reserved for Hope" Oil Painting - 18" x 14"

The Inspiration

Named/painted from a poem by Kristina Mahr.

Where do I begin? This is such a special painting, created after a debilitating stillness as a result from the world's current events. This is the first painting I completed after a 2-month break, paralyzed with the guilt of spending luxurious time painting during a time when others are suffering.

My beautiful community reminded art is still necessary, if not more so, during times of peril.

I began with an underpainting of transparent red oxide- one that represents the color of fire (to symbolize the weight of the world right now.) I then used layers of cool blues and greens, to feel like I was "quenching" the fire as I painted. I don't typically paint with just a palette knife, but I did for this one. The sharp edge of the knife had to be used delicately in my hands, as to not tear the canvas (which I've accidentally done twice before, so this was a real concern.) I loved the juxtaposition of the straight edge of the knife creating softness in the waves and clouds. I let the bright orange peek through the final layer, lest we forget the fires our resilience continues to put out.

I wanted the life ring to feel like it was from an old ship, and painted it in faded colors. A testament of time, and while categorically weathered, still a viable source of life-saving: much like hope itself.

This is one of my favorite paintings of all time. I hope you feel the passion I put into this piece, and the hope it stands for.

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About

Oil on canvas. 18" x 14" unframed with painted sides, ready to hang or be framed.

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Shipping

Free shipping to anywhere within the continental US.

This painting will ship in 3-4 weeks (currently still drying then will need to be varnished.)

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Pricing

Chosen prices are a direct correlation of time spent creating. Some paintings take 10 hours and some take several months of 60+ hours of work plus dry times between layers. The value, rarity and ornateness of each frame (or lack thereof) is also taken into account.

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Payment Plan

After 48 hours of being listed, available paintings become eligible for an invoice-based payment plan. This payment series is interest-free and is simply the cost of the painting spread out over (up to) 2 payments, spaced a month apart. Managed by Kayla, with no credit check. Please email Hello@KaylaDeVitoFineArt.com to inquire.

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Prints

Prints will be available of this painting sometime in 2026.