I'll Hold You in My Dreams

This nostalgic, realistic painting depicts a poignant farewell at a railway station. The central focal point is a military officer in uniform embracing a woman in a dark dress on the platform. Beside them rests a small, long-haired dog curled up on the concrete, surrounded by vintage suitcases.

To the right, a powerful steam locomotive, painted in deep blacks and oranges with a prominent front light, idles on the tracks, emitting a faint wisp of smoke. To the left, a traditional Mission-style train station building with arched walkways and a terracotta roof stands under a soft, golden-hued sky. Several other travelers in 1940s-era attire—men in suits and uniforms, and women in dresses—are scattered along the platform, some carrying luggage, creating a sense of a busy transit hub.

The overall colour palette is warm and rich, characterized by earthy tans, browns, and muted blues, suggesting the golden hour of a late afternoon or early evening. The lighting is soft and directional, casting long shadows across the platform and highlighting the polished metal of the locomotive. The composition conveys a strong sense of wartime nostalgia, emphasizing themes of separation, travel, and quiet emotional intimacy amidst the bustle of a train station.