Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Take It Further Challenge #2 : I Remember The Love of My Grandmother,Thea

The theme for this month's Take It Further Challenge is what are we old enough to remember". I thought about that for some time. There are so many things I remember - so many good memories - along with the bad memories that we all have a supply of ! I thought about the many concerts I saw at the Fillmore East, about Woodstock, and about the lazy days spent at the lake or the old quarry. I remembered the coal furnace we used at my Grandmother's house in upstate New York , the hand pump for water in the kitchen, and the outhouse. I considered the pleasures of roller skating and hopscotch on New York City sidewalks, and exploring China Town, Little Italy & the garment district with my father; the vacations on Lake George when I could actually drank the water from the lake! So many things to remember!

I realized however, that what I remember most and what I am now old enoug to treasure the most is the love of my grandmother. Thea Elizabeth Kavanaugh Ellery. Born December 1898. Died September 1976. She was a red head and had four red-headed children;Ellen (my mother),James (my beloved uncle),John & William. My grandmother once applied for a job in the office at an amusement park & took great affront when she was offered the position of Mother Goose instead ! She had an indomitable spirit and lived through a lot of hard times with much grace and dignity. She helped make my childhood a much better time. I still love her with all of my heart and it is her love that I will always remember the most.

I painted on muslin using using Stewart Gill paints and ink. The photograph that I painted from was taken in 1918 - it is my favorite picture of my grandmother.



12 comments:

Vicki W said...

That's a lovely tribute and a lovely piece of art!

Angela said...

what a beautiful tribute to someone who was so obviously dear to you.

Terri Stegmiller said...

You did a fantastic job on this and now have a wonderful artistic memorial.

Anonymous said...

A touching remembrance, have made me think of and appreciate my dear Grandmother. Beautiful likeness and painting. I also notice that the colors are from the February pallette.

Lynne said...

It's beautiful!

Carmen said...

wonderful and beautiful work.

gunnelsvensson said...

Congratulations Marie to a very good piece of art! You are very very talanted!

Anonymous said...

Marie this is fabulous!

Gwen said...

Thank you for such a lovely post, and the portrait is beautiful. It has been so much fun to read everyone's remembrances.

La Tea Dah said...

Absolutely beautiful --- the woman, the painting, the story, the legacy. You've been very blessed by the presence of this strong and lovely woman.

LaTeaDah

jenclair said...

Wow! How beautiful, Marie. I love her hair and the way the photographer posed her. What a beautiful tribute! The writing around the edge is great, and I love that you included not only her name and birth date, etc., but the sentiment, as well.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

ditto to all of the above comments. you have so many wonderful talents! thanks for always brightening up the blogosphere! xxx

Casino Bonus