The song 'Over the rainbow' as sung by Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoole has been following me everywhere, like a constant reminder that this reality is not what it seems. The song's plaintive melody and simple lyrics depict a young person's desire to escape from the "hopeless jumble" of this world, from the sadness of raindrops to the bright new world "over the rainbow." It expresses the childlike faith that a door will magically open to a place where "troubles melt like lemon-drops." And this painting is influenced by its ominous ubiquity in my life. I often wonder WHY these signs keep revealing themselves to me. Am I mad, in a coma, or in a time warp? Is this all a simulation? Enjoy my first painting since I came back to LA!