PAINTED MEMORIES
Every picture tells a story, and every painting has a story behind it. These works are all very special to me, evoking fond memories and meaningful relationships formed over the years.
Hover over the images to see the story behind each painting.
Many years ago when I first started painting I found that copying well known artists that I admired was a good teaching tool. John Singer Sargent fit the bill. Going though the inventory of his paintings I was intrigued with this composition.
It didn’t really take me long to finish this challenge and I was very proud of it’s accomplishment. There was one element in Mr. Sargent’s painting that I didn’t really like. There was a fountain in the background and the way its water was splashing. It appeared to me to be bouncing off of the gentlemen’s head. So I took liberty to eliminate the fountain totally.
I took much pride in the painting and for years it hung over my dining room buffet. One evening Carolyn, my Interior Design Partner and her husband came to dinner. She was so smart!! While admiring the painting she asked me if I knew the name of it.
I said, “as a matter of fact … I really don’t.”
With much laughter, we both celebrated Carolyn’s knowledge when she told me that the title of the John Singer Sargent’s painting is The Fountain.
I miss you Carolyn and our wonderful friendship additionally working years together with your endless knowledge.
THE PIANO LESSON
One day my in-laws were visiting. While we were sitting around in our family room my husband mentioned that I should play the piano for my father-in-law, as he was a wonderfully accomplished musician. He played mostly classical music on his viola while demonstrating his superior talent.
Since I had been taking piano lessons for 4 years and loving it while practicing 2 hours daily, I reluctantly succumbed to the request and sat down to play. My father-in-law, being a polite man, was in deep thought when I finished playing. He leaned in over my shoulder and whispered to me “Maybe you should concentrate on your art ability”.
I gave serious consideration to his suggestion and decided that rather than spending so much time with music lessons while showing little progress, I would follow his recommendation.
That was nearly 42 years ago and I never looked back as painting has become my life’s greatest pleasure only second to my wonderful family and friends.
Thank you Louie!!!
On second thought ….. I do wish I could play the piano also.
LESSON LEARNED
I was in the seventh grade and I don't remember exactly what it was that I wanted to buy, but I did need five dollars to achieve my goal.
I went to my dad and I asked him what I could do to earn an extra five dollars. “Can I wash all the windows in the house?” “Can I help you in your workshop?” “Can I wash and vacuum the car?” My questions went on and on but the answer was always the same “I don't need that.”
While looking out on the beautiful 5-acre patch of grapes that existed between our house and the road, I thought of how my father took such pride in our whole vineyard that he created. Having failed so far in my requests, I said, “What if I weed under all of the grapevines between here and the road?” He looked at me in wonderment and he replied “It's a deal if you weed all those 5 acres --- I will give you five dollars.”
Every day after school that's what I did. Finally, after about a month, my grandmother felt sorry for me and she would go out and help me sometimes in the evening.
The day finally arrived ----I had completed my chore. I went to my dad and recognized the pride in his face. As he was fumbling around in his wallet I was thinking --- wow, he's going to give me more money because he knows how hard I worked.
You can imagine the look on my face when he handed me five dollars. I looked at him and said “But daddy, I worked so hard I thought maybe you'd give me more.”
His simple reply was “Be careful what you bargain for.”
I still smile when I think of that lesson learned from my hard working, caring, Father.
MUJER DE PERU
Some years back, one of my sons was going through a very difficult time. He and his wife had mutually decided to separate.
This was a big concern on how it was going to affect their two children and the rest of the family.
He and I set a lunch date to talk over this situation. We also talked about our family when he was growing up. Travel was a primary interest
for us and we went to diverse places in Europe, Mexico and the United States. I mentioned I was sorry that we never made it to Peru.
It was a high priority, but too expensive for us as a family of four considering airfare and all the essentials.
Going back to the subject of our lunch and the effect on the children – I sensed his concerns were overwhelming him. I suggested that he think about doing something very special for himself.
About 10 days later, I received a call from my son. The conversation started off with --“Since the children are going to be with their mother for a couple of weeks; I’ve decided to take your suggestion. I’m going to Peru.
When he returned from his trip, he brought me photos he had taken – this painting was done from one of his photos.
LULU
Lulu was a darling dog that came with her owner to class every Wednesday.
She was so cute and well behaved I made an exception and allowed her attendance.
One day while playing in our adjoining courtyard I spotted her in the corner among the flowers and couldn’t resist taking her picture. This painting is a result of us playing with her during a class break.
MARCELLO
My husband and I were on vacation in San Miguel de Allende and I was taking a scenic walk getting acquainted with the area. It was then that I noticed a man playing his guitar in front of a corner restaurant. The outdoor tables were packed with people talking and paying no attention to him or his music. I was so taken by his music I ventured across the street to ask if I could take his picture. He continued to play and as I was trying to get close, a nice couple sitting in front of him invited me to share their table so I could get better photos. I noticed that there were piles of CD’s for sale at the table but no one was buying. All of a sudden..…. People totally stopped talking and in a rush, began coming up to the table to buy CD’s. As the table became empty – Marcello leaned across the table and while pointing to me, he said with a big smile…
You…. You, bring me luck!!!!
(It turns out that Marcello was in the movie Poncho Villa with Antonio Banderas.)
Mark writes -------
It was October 1989 and 6 of us were celebrating Cindy B and my birthdays in the peaceful setting we had reserved at the top of Mt. Tam. We were on the deck of the West Point Inn having drinks when I heard ruckus sounds coming up from the trail below. Damn!! I said as I clenched my fists. Are those bikers coming up here? I listened closely and what I began to hear was Happy Birthday being sung by 80 or more people. My aggravation turned to tears as I realized that it was a surprise party for Cindy and I.
I was totally flabbergasted that Donna was able to pull it off. I will never forget that night.