Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a surprise reunion with someone you loved and lost?
Unexpected, joyous…a warmth in the heart. At least that is what I hope for Ian when he sets eyes on his beloved dog Sally in this painting.
This painting of Ian was commissioned as a surprise from his sister-in-law Joy and I was excited to create this for many reasons. This is an international painting, as they live in England. Second, I love making memories come alive for my clients. Time stands still and yet travels right into the heart when a painting speaks to him or her. Ian’s beloved dog is no longer with him, but what a sweet reunion he will experience through art.
Simply, when I paint, it delights me to delight the viewer.
The painting should be in Ian’s hands by the end of this week. So I’ve included a few progress shots for his family and you.
The challenges of developing a painting stroke by stroke are well worth the effort. Pastel is such a vibrant medium and I really wanted to show the tender love these two had for each other.
The way they look at the camera together mirrors a long and loyal relationship.
I am very much believing that Ian will be totally surprised at seeing his special friend come alive.
An Easter Reunion
It’s one thing to see a painting of a friend you think you’ve lost forever, but it’s another to see that friend resurrected and very much alive after he has been in the grave for 3 days! What a reunion that would be!
Imagine the heart palpitations, the joy, the disbelief, the overwhelming feeling that it really can’t be.
That’s what Mary saw as she lingered in the garden, looking for her loving friend Jesus’ body. But it wasn’t his dead body she found. He was alive! She saw him, she spoke to him and he said, “go and tell the disciples that I am he, I am alive!”
Yes, she saw him with her own eyes. Some say, seeing is believing, but Christ emphatically told one of his disciples, Thomas: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
That should give us all hope this wonderful Easter week.
Perhaps you have not believed, but are ready to now. Realize that according to Jesus and His word, you are blessed! Talk to a friend, visit a church, email me at laura@lgabel.com.
1 Comment
Ian · April 19, 2017 at 3:11 pm
Thank you so much for this, Laura. Sally (Boo) was a very special little person and I was lucky to be able to share some of my life with her. This picture undoubtedly captures the special bond that we shared from the first time her eyes met mine that day I saw her in the dog rescue home ten years ago. I couldn’t wish for a better tribute to a much missed friend.
Ian