Saturday, October 3, 2009

GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN HER

On Yupo, a portrait of my paternal grandmother, and the gladiolus that she loved to grow (although she could grow anything).





Working out the composition and the colors, bit by bit and will begin on the flowers soon.











She wasn't a redhead, but had dark, auburn hair that faded more as she got older until it became almost a dark strawberry blonde color. Not a gray hair in sight when she passed at age 80 in 1990. (That was the year I started having heart problems and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse.)

She was the strongest woman I have ever known and I still miss her.

7 comments:

Christiane Kingsley said...

Rhonda,
Your paint control on yupo is amazing: I never thought that a portrait like this could be done with such clarity on such a surface.
Your grandmother is probably still for you a source of inspiration and strength.
Take care.

debwardart said...

What a lovely tribute and good painting!

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Sorry been away from the artblogworld for a few weeks due to visits and visitors. Love your grandmother posting. Good luck with the gladiolas. Now I understand the interest in hearts. The rose quarze one looks beautiful.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Christiane, Deb and Joan :) Yes, you never get over a love that strong, do you? Should start on the flowers tomorrow...

Deb Léger said...

This is looking great Rhonda! Can't wait to see more.

Cathy Gatland said...

This portrait is looking wonderful - I'm sure your whole heart is going into it, may it gain strength from doing so!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Deb and Cathy. I always put off painting relatives but it seemed time to connect with her by painting this one now. I hope I can finish it the way I want - the way I see it in my mind, I mean.