Blondie
by Laura Grisham
Title
Blondie
Artist
Laura Grisham
Medium
Painting - Oil Pastel On Canvas
Description
*Copyright 2012 Laura Grisham
Original Oil Pastel on 20x20x1.5" Gallery-Wrapped Canvas (SOLD)
This is a tough description to write, but I'll do my best not to get too emotional. Last year my youngest son and his fiance' broke off their engagement. He was absolutely heartbroken, as was I. This young lady had stolen my heart with her wit, beauty, and amazing voice. We had become very close and it was a very tough time for my son and for me. Before the "break-up", her parents had given her a little blonde, long-haired Dachshund puppy after the death of her beloved "shelter" dog, Delilah. She had grieved so hard for Delilah that her parents just could not stand to hear her cry anymore and saw this puppy and just had to get it for her. They named her "Cupcake."
For her graduation from college I had intended on giving her a portrait of "Cupcake" to go with the one I had done for her of "Delilah." I had even sketched the puppy and had the canvas ready to paint but was too ill at the time to have it ready before graduation. So, I put it aside to work on later and told her about the gift I had planned to give her. It was not long after that that she and my son broke off their engagement. For several months I did not paint at all. I was ill and depressed and every time I looked at the sketch of "Cupcake" I either got angry or cried. When I did pick up my brushes again several months later, I had commissioned portraits to complete and the sketched canvas was pushed to the bottom of the list. There would come a day when I would complete it and give it to her, despite the fact that she would no longer become my daughter-in-law. That day came....yesterday. Actually, I would have worked on it sooner but had to get ready for a show.
Can you believe that I completed this portrait in only ONE DAY? One day...and I went to the doctor, visited my sister, went to the bank, talked to the manager of a chain of Hallmark stores about my work, and went out to dinner with my husband...and finished the painting before 7pm. It came so easily and was more fun to do than I ever imagined. Instead of working with acrylics and then oil pastels, I went straight to the oil pastels. I have to say it was like being back in elementary school! It's obvious to me that this is the way I should go from now on when I do my "Pooch Portraits."
Here's the great thing: it was very healing. I've forgiven her for "breaking my son's heart" and realize that God may have someone else in mind for him to spend his life with. But, that didn't change the love that I had for her...and my way of saying things are fine will be when I give her this lovely portrait of her precious "Cupcake." And who knows...maybe someday they will get back together. Stuff like that happens ALL the time!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Uploaded
February 28th, 2012
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Comments (15)
Alanna Hug-McAnnally
ADORABLE. The colors, composition and especially her expression. Wonderful!
Laura Grisham replied:
Thank you Alanna...if you like "Blondie" you will also love my latest dog portrait that is almost ready to photograph and post. I praise God for what He is doing through me, because I don't understand how I do what I do! Thank you for your encouraging words...my heart has been blessed! .... Laura
Bob and Nancy Kendrick
Laura, Congratulations on your 1st place win in the Portraits of Domestic Pets contest!
Natalie Holland
Adorable! Beautifully painted, Laura!
Laura Grisham replied:
Thanks, Natalie. This was one of those pieces that you just sit down and it "happens."
Deborah Moore
As always I love every dog you have painted. They look like they could jump right out of the picture and give you a kiss. mom
Chrisann Ellis
Laura, You paint dogs with outstanding expressions, and the colors, wow... just love this one to!
Laura Grisham replied:
Chrisann, I've found that just 'painting' my dogs with oil pastels instead of acrylics AND the pastels is much more "freeing." And I'm really excited about the way my paintings have been turning out. I love this one too...the colors turned out well, whew!