Often it is  the moment of prelude which equals the presence of something of wonder.   Five times over the past summer I have literally seen and been at the end of a rainbow.  (three of those white rainbows! Which is another tale of wonder)

Everytime I found myself alone at the end of the rainbow where it touches earth, I was astonished to find the treasure there to be the sound of joyful laughter and delight.  Possibly a prelude to something more, definitely occasions that gave rise to anticipation of what might be next.

Portraits and paintings (or imagery in general), may at times be about those occasions of anticipation, not necessarily in terms of foreshadowing, but in terms of appropriation of those moments themselves...

Is that a smile forming, will the sun rise, will the ship give itself to the rocky shore .. ?.  
The paintings story/subject may be more about knowing the story is yet to unfold, then about the unfolding to come.

© GAMcCullough      2011