Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel - 6" x 8"
I suppose you've been wondering what happened to me. Had my muse run off to Monaco to play baccarat? Had I shuffled off this artists life and joined a monastery? Not quite. Sadly, I had been nursing my dear Anna who was battling two powerful foes - cancer and old age. She finally succumbed to their one-two punch yesterday and I had to intercede on her behalf. Not the way I would have chosen to celebrate St. Patrick's Day I assure you. This kind of intervention is not conducive to the creative process. Perhaps if I were a watercolor painter my work would have taken on a Grace Hartigan quality. Salty tears make for some interesting effects while working in a wet medium. I was able to steel myself to paint a commemorative portrait today. God speed, Anna. I hope you are frolicking with Vincent, Theo, Marco and your mom. At least you are no longer in pain. I wish I could say the same.
29 comments:
Mark,
Your portrait of Anna is hauntingly beautiful.
Alice
Thanks, Alice. I'm going to miss her. She was my constant companion.
This portrait is truly beatiful. I am very sorry for your loss.
Hang in there,
Olga
Hey Mark...
Sorry to hear about anna....
((((((((HUGS))))))))
my deepest condolences....
her memorial painting is beautiful.
Thanks, Olga. I spent some time on your blog. You have a nice style. Among others, I really liked "Pogo", "Shoebox" and "It's all in the eyes"
Thanks, Porkroast.
Thanks, Sheila. I needed that.
Mark, so sorry about your loss. I am sure Anna will hang about (and the others too) in good spirit in your place for years and years to come. Your portrait is really special.
Thanks, Sheila (I feel like I'm in Australia with all these Sheilas) I needed that, too.
Mark,
I'm so sorry to hear about Anna.
Debby
How heartbreaking to hear of your loss. So often the artist grinds out his colors with oil and sadness. There are so many kitties out in the world looking for someone to love them. I'm sure that when the time comes, another "Oliver Twist" will come to your door and find a place in your heart. For now, just grieve for as long as you need. What else can we do? Shall we say, "No! I will not love another cat, because it is too painful at the time of their loss." But then one day you see the face of a kitten and your heart melts, and the pain of loss is soothed with the balm of love...then once again another cat has entered into your heart. Keep on loving the kitties, Mark, and be strong and kind for the other cats.
Very touching.
Anna's blue eyes are just beautiful.
What a lovely tribute.
-Dean
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Anna. I'm sure her spirit will continue to inspire your art. Her portrait is beautiful.
Bob, Your kind comments and observations are appreciated and quite prophetic. Anna, to be sure, has left a hole in my heart, but three new kittens have indeed entered my life. Sammy, Ella, and
Shirley, the three feral kittens from the patio, are now living in the house. Their adjustment to full time indoor life has been slow but we are making progress. They seemed to have a sixth sense about not bothering Anna in her waning days. JJ has been great with them and finally has playmates. He wanted so much for poor Anna to play and she just wasn't up to it. I love the "Oliver Twist" analogy. My next gang may have to be Fagin, Bill (Sikes), Dodger and Oliver. Thanks, Bob.
Thanks, Dean. I'm still picking at the painting. My wife came home from Boston and thought Anna's one eye looked like the Terminator's. She was right, as always, so I am going back into it to darken the shadows a bit.
Thanks, Linda
Anna had the most beautiful eyes. I'm not surprised that it takes more than one try to capture them properly. But I really think that her portrait does her credit. I'll miss your grand old lady too, big guy.
Thanks, Deb. I think I am happy with the eyes now. I re posted the finished piece.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Mark. You created a very beautiful tribute to her.
mark, I am very sorry to read about Anna. I know how much she meant to you. It is never easy Farm Girl
Thanks, Edward
Thanks, FG. You're right, it is never easy. How are things down on the farm?
What a wonderful rendering of your dear cat. Such a sweet face.
I know all to well the ache in your heart for your dear pet....but you honor her with such a wonderful work.
Thank you, Cynthia. I was apprehensive about painting her so soon after her passing but I found it cathartic. I wouldn't part with this little painting for the world.
Mark,
What a beautiful portrait of Anna. I know you will have this forever, along with your memories of her.
To share your true self, painting thru tears, was so touching. HUGS to you!!
Thank you for sharing Anna with us.
Love,
Pegi
Thanks, Pegi. No one could take Anna's place but having three new kittens roaming and exploring the house and studio are keeping things interesting. Ella (formerly known as Dino) has become quite the sweetheart and is lobbying for a place on the bed. She and JJ are getting along great. The other two, Sammy and Shirley, are still fearful but are starting to realize that life inside is not so bad.
Oh Dad! I'm so sorry about Anna. Tears filled my eyes as I realized she is gone and how hard that must be for you and Susan. Glad you were in town in Anna's time of need. Hugs to you both. The painting is lovely.
~:~
Thanks, Holly. I knew this was eminent and I am glad I was with her at the end. I am really looking forward to seeing you all next month.
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