Monday, September 29, 2008

As Luck Would Have It....

Gladys's Quiet Determination 22x22 sold
I have been away for a while....catching up on some business, house chores and a little visiting. Not to mention working on the huge painting which is just about done! The gallery in Kansas City wants six of my paintings and three of my photographs. To get everything ready for them entailed going back over some frames to address any issues they might have, replacing a liner and a completely new frame for two of the paintings. The photographs need to be printed and matted and then framed....that is still on hold to see if the raw image has enough megabytes for printing. There was also an issue as to whether two of the paintings could go or not.
During the Midwest Gathering two years ago I had a painting of an older lady in her garden. The woman I chose to paint was like a Mother to me and welcomed me and included me in every family celebration and holiday. Her name was Gladys Murray. She was the strongest woman I have ever met...not only physically but emotionally as well. She wrecked buildings for a living with her son and some hired men through a company she and her husband built. They built their home with mostly salvaged materials that still stands today is still a beautiful home on 40+ acres. She cooked for a large and extended family including hired hands regularly. She watched two children, a husband and grandson die. She always had a welcome mat, hug and cup of coffee out for anyone. She taught me many things about life and I still use her guidelines until today. I could say so much more about this amazing woman but there is not enough room tell all of the stories we shared.....She was 76 years old when she passed away. I was with her every moment of the 36 days she had to live once diagnosed with cancer. It was painful but well worth it. I had done the same with my natural mother whom I took care of until the end. I wrote a poem for her about having two mothers...one by birth and one by choice...and put it in her pocket when she was buried in her favorite pink suit. I may show it to you one day. She made the flower arrangements for her own funeral. I was and am proud to have been her friend and daughter by choice and I miss her every day. I did this painting of her and called it Gladys's Quiet Determination because of how she always appeared to me. The lady who saw it is Max's sisters best friend.....she came to the house a few months ago and expressed how that painting affected her and how much she would like to have it. I told her then as I had for some time to other people that selling the painting was not very important to me but if she wanted it I would let her buy it because of how it struck her emotionally. In other words the painting would have a loving home and appreciated for the spirit it was painted in. You can see that I get attached to certain ones for emotional reasons. She said she really loved it and that the message that came through really identified with her...I let her know the painting was hers when she decided to purchase it. Well as luck or fate would have it, this was one of the paintings that the gallery wanted.....and I had already told this woman that it wasn't going anywhere. I talked to Max's' sister about this complication and when these two friends went out to dinner this past Friday they discussed it and called me. She bought the painting that evening and I am very happy it is with someone that truly appreciates it!
The second painting that had a complication is entered in a competition and will be on exhibition for awhile before it can be delivered. Not a huge problem but I am hoping to win a prize on it. I also received an email this morning from someone who had seen a painting of mine at an art fair in Pineville last year...the painting is called "Of Saints and Sinners" and she expressed interest in it. If you have a website make sure they are up to date and list all pertinent information including how to get a hold of you!!! I have had great success with my website but I have also done a lot of work through art fairs, shows, auctions and exhibitions to get my name out there. I am still working hard at this part that many artists hate....me included!!
The Profiles magazine article came out and it is wonderful....makes me sound like I know what I am talking about!! More about that next time.
The big painting is close to being done and will also be posted at a later date....I already have ideas for a new one and am anxious to start on it.
So that is the brief update and I wish everyone of you reading a happy and creative week!
Love, Theresa
Of Saints and Sinners 20x30 oil

20 comments:

hj said...

great paintings!

Anonymous said...

Theresa,
It would be so inadequate to express a comment that reflects all that you've written in addition to these two paintings.

How blessed to have had Gladys to be influenced and bolstered by. What a rarity.
I imagine that as you did the painting it was an ultimate tribute to her.
So much better that it went to someone who really had to have it.

A very touching, and eloquent posting.
Thank you.
And thank you for the honor of being on your side column.

Both paintings say so much- so beautiful.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Theresa,

Great work. I love the painting of Gladys Murray,and your whole description of your relationship to her. It's amazing how we are both born into, and choose family if we're lucky. And I think it says great things about your spirit that you attract and give out such special affection.

Barbara

Art By Erika said...

"She's the real thing!" Theresa, if you ever hear anybody make that statement, they are talking about you or someone like you! I don't know how you do it, you are just like Gladys with your welcome mat and a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen. I don't have to wish I knew your dear friend because I've met you and I suspect your are very much alike. You have blessed each other with your beautiful friendship my dear, thank you so much for sharing this story and sharing this even more beautiful depiction of her. And your openess to the world is so evident to be able to let this precious painting go to another loving home. Well I guess it's because you know that Gladys is always in your heart and not only on this canvas. Congratulations to the lucky owner and the happy artist!

I laughed at the title of the last painting - WHOAH that's totally clever I love it!!!!! And the painting nailed it! No pun intended LOL!

Darn wish you would have let me take pictures of you maybe I could have added more photo options for you! Good luck on the show!

Anonymous said...

Theresa- good grief- don't know what blog malfunction caused my comment to triplicate itself!!!!
I had no control over that. Please take some away....

Bonnie

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

This is a completely wonderful painting. I like everything about it.

Unknown said...

Theresa, thanks for stopping at my blog. I have enjoyed the art as well as the writing on yours! Your paintings show so much sensitivity and depth emotionally as well as their artistic technique. I will stop by often! Lani

Theresa Rankin said...

Hello Helene...and merci beaucoup...:)

Theresa Rankin said...

Bonnie you response has left me speechless....Thank you so very much..I am very happy to have you here on my blog so I can check on you often!

Theresa Rankin said...

You always say the nicest things, Barbara...I also know they come straight from the heart...something that is evident in your work and writing also. We are indeed very fortunate!

Theresa Rankin said...

Thank you Erika....my heart is overflowing and I am blushing a bit from your praises. You are so very positive and a great big thank you goes out to you. As for the titles....many times I just get very emotional and they come to me. I love talking to you also!

Theresa Rankin said...

Don't worry Bonnie the cyber gods have many malfunctions....from duplicating in triplicate to deleting the message into the outer realms of cyberspace! I have done as you asked!

Theresa Rankin said...

On Painting...I am really never sure who I am talking to as there are two of you on your blog....but whichever one you may be you have my wholehearted thanks and gratitude for your lovely comment.

Theresa Rankin said...

Thank you so much Lani....coming from you I am very honored. Please stop by again as I will be stopping by your blog often also.

Laurel Daniel said...

What a beautiful painting and the story makes it all the sweeter! I am so glad that the woman who loved it got to buy it - a happy home is important with certain precious paintings!

eLIZabeth Floyd said...

Hi Theresa, Wonderful Post!

Thank you for sharing your life, your thoughts, and paintings. I love the stories behind the wonderful painting of the elderly woman and how it now is in a caring home.

Thank you for sharing your experience with art business as well. How sometimes predictaments occur and how they all typically resolve themselves, it just takes time and communication.

Have a most wonderful weekend! Liz

Sylvia Jenstad said...

Had to stop... love Saints and Sinners... really cool

Theresa Rankin said...

Thank you so much Laurel!! I am honored!

Theresa Rankin said...

You are most welcome Elizabeth....and a lovely weekend yourself!

Theresa Rankin said...

Many, many thanks Sylvia! I am so pleased you enjoyed the painting!