Close your eyes was painted back in 1997 and drew a lot of attention at the exhibition it was displayed in.  It sold very early on the first day.  Many people asked why I gave it the title I did, and the answer was a very simple one.  1997 had not been an easy year for me in any sense.  Among other things, it was the year I gave up smoking.  I would close my eyes and try to relax.  I would imagine pretty, soothing and warm scenes just like this one, to try and bring about that sense of calm, right when the cravings were at their worst.  And for the record, I've never smoked since ;)