A recurring theme in his paintings, says artist John Weiss, is that "strength, comfort and encouragement are always within reach." Nowhere is this more evident than in his newest painting, A Big Fish Story. Although the woods are dark and the night is cold, the figures in A Big Fish Story are bathed in light and warmth. Seated before a blazing fire, a fisherman recounts tales of his fishing prowess to an awed boy and his captivated beagle. The heat of the fire and the excitement of his grandfather's adventure have brought a flush to the boy's cheeks as he watches the legendary fish grow in size. Their companionship and love create a warmth that floods beyond the walls of the shelter, casting a golden glow on the snowy ground and surrounding woods. The light at the heart of A Big Fish Story draws the viewer in, and we find ourselves leaning closer to hear just how big that fish really was.