Commission For Laurel

This is a commission piece I created as a graduation gift from mother to daughter.  The mother shared with me some background on her daughter telling me "she is the strongest person I know."

At the age of 12 she was severely injured in  a car accident with multiple skull fractures and trauma to her head which left her with learning disabilities.   She endured  a series of  surgeries and  rehabilitation.  While other  girls  her age were becoming interested in boys, going to dances and doing their nails this young lady was learning how to read again.  Her mother told me she never complained or asked "Why me?  "

Next month she is receiving her Master's Degree from the University of Washington.  I was very happy to paint this tribute .

Summer Reading

What can I say.  Sometimes it seems like my brush has a life of it's own.  This painting took  many twists and turns but I am so glad I was able to complete it.  I am taking a little break while my son is home for the next week.   As much as I love to paint and I am looking forward to spending time with Sam. Hopper is another favorite painter of mine. I suppose I have the Cape on my mind these days as well!   This painting is 11x14 painted on canvas. For sale in my Etsy shop. 

The Sicilian 7

Last November My five sisters and my mother took a trip of a life time to Sicily. We stayed in a villa in beautiful Taormina and took my mother to the place her parents were born, Trecastagni. It wasn't easy getting it all together leaving our husbands, families, children, pets but it was so worth it. Although at the time it seemed so surreal to me, I have wonderful memories. This is one of them. Here we are, The Sicilian Seven, minus me walking down an old side street in Guardia Naxos. I was taking the photo.