36x48x1.5” original acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas (with painted edges).

It’s always been more than a stadium for me. I remember my first game with my Dad and my little brother. I didn’t know much about football, but I knew I loved the sound of everyone cheering the exact same magical words in unison. I loved high-fiving and popcorn and the sound of the band. Shared “Yesssses!” and “oh no’s!”

The funny and true fact is that this stadium is one of the main reasons the University of SC became my alma mater. The atmosphere (even at a loss) was an addictive energy that I wanted to be part of my college experience. And God used that somewhat silly reason to connect me with some of the most dear lifelong friends, who have loved and prayed for me in every season of my adulthood. It’s also where I fell even deeper in love with painting. And then, took my own children to their first games, where they got to see just how enthusiastic their loud Mom can be!

So for all of you fellow Gamecocks… I get it! With you, I hold my hand high and proudly sing those lyrics, “Forever to Thee.”

When I painted this piece, my goal was to create a landscape, that happened to also feature my favorite stadium, which would coordinate with a home like mine, filled with blues and greens. I wanted it to be a work of art you’d be proud to showcase anywhere (over a mantle or couch) and not feel the need to hide in a man cave. My hope is that these brushstrokes will remind your family of some of your very best memories as well.