Friday, April 25, 2014

He Loves You So . . .

 9 x 12 altered backer board

"Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart."
- Jose N. Harris

So I found the coolest substrate the other day as I was rummaging around my stash looking for something new to art on. I guess I've been wise for years, as I've never been able to throw anything away just in case it may perhaps be useful in some random future project. Well okay, wise may not be the right word; perhaps hoard is more appropriate. But either way, my wise-hoarding ways did serve me well this week as I found an old piece of backer board (for framing) to play with. All it needed was a little gesso to get it going . . . .

I took some process photos along the way for a little show & tell:

Getting started: gesso applied with a palette knife followed by some stamping, watercolor crayons, acrylic and mark making.

A quick sketch. I wanted to express sorrow.

The finished sketch with a sad girl, wonky house & a mama bird with her three chicks. 

Okay, so now you may be wondering what the piece is about. I created it for my girlfriend who lost her Father - after many years battling sickness - just last week. As expected, she is devistated. And she's an only child. So everything that needed to be done in the aftermath of his passing was left to her and her alone to figure out. My heart broke for her as I tried - from another state - to do what I could to comfort her. Creating this painting was the only thing I could really think of. I know it won't bring him back or ease her sadness, but I do hope that it will make her feel less alone. 

Tears created by pressing a wet brush loaded with watercolor under the eyes. 

And here's what it looks like finished:

Complete with a bit of glitter, iridescent stars (which are making their way into everything I've done lately), sequins and ink.

The road reads; "He Loves You So."

Thank you for taking a peek. And be sure to check out PPF. You'll always be glad that you did.

Yours,
Kristin xo

25 comments:

GlorV1 said...

Sorry for your friend loss. What a beautiful gift for her Kristin. That is a very kind gesture, she will love it. It's beautiful and I do love the way you created the tears. I must remember that hint.

Annette G said...

Such a wonderful work of art for your friend, am sure she will treasure it. Annette x

Christine said...

sorry for your friend's loss, hope this piece cheered her up a bit. You are a good friend.

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

Beautiful monochromatic work of art for your friend! Kristin

DVArtist said...

So sorry to hear about your friend and her loss. This beautiful painting expresses it all.
Nicole/Beadwright

Sarah (wonderstrumpet) said...

Oh Kristin! He is just fantastic. I love the stars and the wee little house and the Dubble Bubble roof <3 So so awesome.

Natasha said...

What a lovely gesture so filled with love. It is discoveries like this that make me feel like not a hoarder.

A beautiful gift for your friend. Knowing she is not alone and much loved is perhaps the greatest gift you can give her at this awful time in her life.

Valerie-Jael said...

This is beautiful, I am sure your friend will treasure it! Valerie

Joanna said...

This is beautiful and you created it from your heart, which will mean everything to your friend.

xxxx

denthe said...

I love it! And I'm sure your friend will find comfort in it. That blue colour is gorgeous.

Virginia said...

Oh I adore that - so very very beautiful!

Unknown said...

This is beautiful, and what a lovely thing to do.

K J D said...

Kristin I am sure your friend will love this and it will be like a hug from you when ever she looks at it.

It's beautiful and such a sweet thoughtful thing to do. Love to your friend.

Karen xxx

Giggles said...

Pure love in this post and gorgeous art piece! She will feel the heart in it!! I do! Beautiful work...she will know how much you feel for her pain!! I love this little face so much!!

Hugs Giggles

Linda Kunsman said...

This canvas is filled with love and beautiful things Kristin. Despite the sad face this canvas also has a feel of hope and eternity. So sorry for your friend's loss. Even harder when you live so far away , and as you said she's an only child. That's the one thing that bothers me about having an only child too.I'm sure your friend will cherish that painting.

Little Artbee said...

Oh my dear, a loss of a beloved person is everytime very cruel, but I think your wonderful picture will let your friend feel less alone. It will solace her. I can see that you made it with your whole heart.
Greetings
Sabine

Carmen said...

To know you are thinking of her and pouring your love into this painting will mean the world to your friend, it will help, I promise you. Every time she looks at it, there will not only be memories of her Dad but the thought and the feeling of the love from her far away friend. It's beautiful x

Dee Spillane said...

Kristen, this is so sweet to do for your friend! I know she will love it. I remember my devastation when my dad passed at 51, too young. She will treasure it and your thoughtful friendship.

Renee Dowling said...

The words on the path leading to the house will comfort your friend. What a horrible time she must be having. It is good that she has a friend like you to support her!

Even though the sadness in your person is evident, the blue colour and movement in the piece do show hope!

I also like the details you used like the sequins, the Double bubble roof, the dots and birds ...

Thank you so much for sharing!

Renee

Margik said...

This is a beautifull work! Love the amazing colours and expressive face.

Terri Corona said...

I just love this Kristen, so beautiful and striking visually, and so meaningful too. My best friend has this experience ahead of her as she just found out her father has ALS, and it's such a helpless feelng, so little I can do. I love the idea of making a piece of art, channeling everything into that.

Unknown said...

He sure looks full of love :)

Unknown said...

He sure looks full of love :)

Deepa Gopal said...

That's so beautiful...love the quote and the apt expression :)
I hoard things too with the same 'just in case'...:)

artfullycarin@gmail.com said...

This is beautiful Kristin! And such a lovely gesture. I'm sure she'll really appreciate it. xoxo