Chad’Else
Oil on canvas, 16×20″
Not for sale
This is the painting that turned me, in my own mind, from a dabbler into an artist.
This is my aunt’s cottage, a beautiful spot where I spent many happy vacations. I started this painting a couple of years ago, in a class at my local art centre. It was nearly finished when the class ended, but I wasn’t entirely happy with it. I set it aside. Then last year, at age 86, my aunt sold the cottage. So for Christmas, I dug out the painting, gave it a few final touches, and gave it to her. She loved it, and hung it on the wall of her den right next to the photos of her beloved dogs. Believe me, in her book, there was no higher honour than that!
What I wasn’t prepared for was the response of so many other people. When my aunt died unexpectedly recently, the painting was displayed along with photos and other mementos at the funeral home. So many people who knew Chad’Else – but didn’t know I was the artist – admired it. Including the new owners of Chad’Else.
I have so much to learn, and I still see many things in my paintings that could be better. But I now believe that I’ve reached a point at which others can enjoy my work, and I plan to begin showing it. I’m also going to set up a website, and another, more professional, blog. Stay tuned in the next few months for updates!
