Experiencing a Loss

When someone asks me to do a commissioned painting and it is of a loved one that has passed I am touched. I feel a great responsibility with this request. I always do my very best with each painting I paint regardless if it is a commissioned piece or not. But a loved one is even more important that each detail of that person is captured. Earrings, rings, hair style all has to be perfect.

So I was asked to paint Bill’s wife who passed away 3 years ago. I could tell the pain and sadness was still very close to the surface of the new life he was trying to live.

The photo he showed me was of his wife at 82. She was a professional ice skater in her youth. At 82 she was gorgeous. Tall black boots, tight jeans and a fur coat. Yep I want to look just like her. In the photo they were in San Francisco and had just seen a Cirque du Soleil show. She is standing in front of the programs banner.

Yesterday I gave bill his painting.