Evening shadows on an old house captured my eye as I drove by. The textures of the peeling paint and the ripples in the old glass along with the rickety rusty downspout simply made me want to paint them.When I took the photo, I did not know that the house was about to be demolished. It so surprised me to drive by one day and see it gone, and I was glad I'd taken the time several years ago to create it's unique beauty in a painting.
Yesterday one of the artists who's in Wednesday night's class left this world so unexpectantly. Lois O'Brien always added so much delight and fun to our class and to my life. The news of her death simply stunned me beyond words, yet I wanted to write a special tribute of sorts to her on this blog.
THANK YOU, LOIS, for being a refreshing breeze, a comical lady, for being so teachable, for loving to paint, for your gentle kindness and generosity, for your tenderness and caring, for your loyalty and trustworthiness. I loved how much you dearly cherished your grandson and new granddaughter. You were so delightful to be with, and I loved to hear you laugh.
When she had a problem in class, she'd say to me, "Come into my office." Her office location may have changed, but I can imagine her painting tonight's sunset for all to see.
"THIS OLD HOUSE" Transparent Watercolor on 140# Fabriano, 15 x 22" COLLECTED
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12 comments:
I am so sorry to hear about Lois. What a lovely tribute to her. Have you thought of becoming a writer? Rest in peace Lois O'Brien.
What a truly beautiful tribute to your friend and fellow artist.
This is a wonderful way to commemorate a special student and friend, Sandy. I'm so sorry for your loss and I hope Wednesday night's class gather strength from each other.
I'm sorry for your loss too, Sandy. We meet so many great people in our art classes (and on blogs!), and sharing our art really forms a bond. What a touching remembrance.
I'm so sorry to read of the loss of your friend and student. Your lovely tribute to her gave us just a glimpse of how much you enjoyed knowing her.
I sometimes think we grow closer to those we paint with since we bare our souls in our paintings so we feel we know our painting friends better than any others. I have lost a few of my artist friends and the loss does hurt so deeply.
This is a great forum for paying tribute to your friend and for sharing your grief. We are here for you.
Sandy, I am deeply touched by your tribute to Lois. What a dear soul she was. And tonight is your Wednesday night's class. I hope you are all able to share Lois stories. It helps the healing process. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words, dear teacher friend. ~Bonnie
Thank you, everyone. Class tonight was tough, but we did face it fine together. It's so sad to lose someone. I really appreciated your comments very much.
Beautiful words for your lost art pal. .. and simply adore the OLD HOUSE painting.
I'm sorry to read this and I loved what you said about her "painting the sunset" for everybody.
And that's a beautiful painting.
What a beautiful tribute. Your words were perfect-I can feel Lois smiling down on you and sending a special sunset your way. Thursday night class will miss her presence also.
AAM
Sandy, what a great tribute to Lois and the painting says it all.
I met Lois through my wife Nancy and I can say I am proud to have known her and to have had the opportunity to share her love of life. The world and my life was a much better place with Lois in it. I will miss her great smile and her loving friendship that she had for me and my family. My wife Nancy and Lois were such great friends and we both will miss her so very,very much. Lois will always be alive and close to us in our memories.
Jerry U
JMRC, Hohenfels, Germany
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