I made this painting for my Mom this week. She and my sister were coming to visit me and we were going to have sun, fun, going to the Getty Villa, Malibuing, laughing and eating. In a sad twist of fate my Moms dog Charlie was diagnosed with cancer and was gone within the week. My heart is broken so you can imagine how my family must feel. Charlie has a brother named Louie and now he is lonely too. I did a companion piece for my sister in March for her birthday right here. Louie is in the bed and DD loves to ski so I had her skiing in the picture. My mom loves horses and rides dressage and this is her with her 1st horse Snickers. It's called "The Perfect Dream". I feel like I can express myself better with paint than words. This is a very painful twist. Goodbye Charlie you will always live in our hearts.
Sorry to hear about the dog, but your piece turned out lovely, especially the little houses in the background.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I thought this piece looked familiar! I remembered the other painting and how much fun I thought it was when you posted it.
ReplyDeleteThis painting is very beautiful. Your story put a lump in my throat, it is so sad. I can only imagine how hard the loss is. Your painting is such a sweet dedication to the Charlie and to your mom. Though she is probably having a hard time looking at it right now, it is such a thoughtful gift and beautifully done. You are a very sweet person to make this for her.
lovely piece val - i am so sorry to hear about your mom's dog.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Charlie. "The Perfect Dream" is perfect!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful painting Val. I like how you have painted Charlie and everything.
Very sorry about Charlie, but a wonderful painting. I hope it consoles your MoM it's so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love this composition!!! Great illo!!
ReplyDeletei heard this scientific piece on npr about people with near death experiences. this study was on people who were "dead" for longer than previously researched.
ReplyDeletethese folks, like others before them, reported a long tunnel with white light at its end. but because they made it further down the tunnel before they were revived, they also reported seeing their deceased pets there waiting for them.
i'm comforted to think this is true, and i hope it helps you and your mom too, val.
condolences for the loss of charlie.
So evocative, Val!
ReplyDeleteI am sure your mom will love it and the sight of Charlie will always bring back happy memories for her.
I'm sorry about your mom's dog, I know that's so hard. Your painting will be a lovely way to remember Charlie.
ReplyDeletePoor doggie, good for you for doing this. :-)
ReplyDeleteVal, before I read your words I saw the dog and thought to myself that someone really loves this dog. Then I read your story. I felt sad but comforted by your tribute. What a magnificent and kindhearted gesture. Art and literature truly allows us to illustrate our emotions in a beautiful way. It is a reflection of our lives and how we conduct ouselves in this short time on earth.
ReplyDeleteCharlie looks like he's in a good, peaceful place in your illo with your mom looking on. What a beautiful tribute to a loved family member. We never have them long enough, do we?
ReplyDeleteOh how heart breaking! The illustration is a beautiful accompaniment to the story, but, having three pups of my own, I truly feel for your mum.
ReplyDeleteVal, this is so sweet! I love the precious little houses in the background, the happy dog smiling with his tongue...a beautiful piece of work and very sad story.
ReplyDeleteVal, that is so very sad. I didn't know Charlie, but my heart goes out to your family. What a wonderful way to honor this little guy!
ReplyDeleteI love the colouurs you have used - this is such a fresh piece of work - really lovely.
ReplyDeleteI guess I understand your feeling...my mother's dog died recently as well, and know is lives all alone...very beatiful illo, aniways, so bright!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Charlie - that is just heartbreaking! Your tribute is absolutely amazing. Everything about it is just so wonderful. It is just an amazing and sweet piece.
ReplyDeleteOh Val, I'm sure Charlie is very nearby making sure everyone is okay. They are never far away. You have to know that. I find our art is our salvation for our tough feelings.Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteAw that is cute! I like how you switched up the scale. Nice twist and great drawing.
ReplyDeleteohh i feel your pain.. and your illustration shows how you love little Charlie.. well im pretty sure he's gone to dog heaven! 8D
ReplyDeleteFINALLY!I found what I was looking for in all my art and junk so you should have painting and other goodies soon.How are things your way?I am having a ball creating,see my new piece on blog!I am sending you something special from my Mother,later gator!xxoo
ReplyDeletesorry to hear bout louie i had a dog by that name once who had a sister name jennie both have gone on they were a mix of poddle and hound. lov ur illo nice dream like quality
ReplyDeleteLove the surreal concept!! AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to commemorate a lost companion! Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful on so many levels. The loss of a companion as dear as this has to be very sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is a gift of love and I know it will be cherised.
Don't worry Charlie will be reborn in 3 days. Dogs are just human souls with training wheels. Charlie will make a great human. If you pee in your dreams, does wet happen? Bad Dog
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad story, but a beautiful painting.
ReplyDeleteaaaw, haha! this dog looks so content in his hilly blanket! great concept
ReplyDeleteHi Val,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting !
Charlie has fun in the eternal meadows now!
Have a wonderful week !
my heart breaks for you and your family. his little spirit will be around. he'll be playing with the other dogs who've passed...and his puppy friends still on this side will see him...you'll wonder what they're looking at...and it'll be him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely dedication to Charlie. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about Charlie! This is a wonderful way for your mom to remember him!
ReplyDeletehi val,
ReplyDeletesorry to here about charlie. this a a lovely thoughtful piece you've created!
The loss of a dog is very, very hard! I like your work, and your words.
ReplyDeleteI was recently at the Getty Villa too!
After August maybe we can do that cup of coffee...
this is so pretty. I'm so sorry to hear about Charlie. a dog I loved died a couple weeks ago and I know how it hurts.
ReplyDeleteHey Val,
ReplyDeleteI love the pic of Charlie -- especially with his tongue out because you know that was his favored pose. Your picture of charlie helped so much and was so thoughtful; although mom is still deeply sad. I love, love, love the pic of louie too. Every night I look at it before I go to sleep.
I'm the luckiest girl alive to have you for my sister.
xoxox
--dd
aww. that just broke my heart. happy your mom and sister get to spend some time with you in that wonderful area where you live! that surely will bring some healing into her heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you made this painting, it's really cool and fresh and meaningful and captures why your artwork is so good, it's from the heart with playful meaning. Dogs mean so much and fill such special places in our lives, long live Charlie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute to Charlie. Rothie and I are still saddened by his sudden death.
ReplyDeleteI'm touched how you are able to express yourself more clearly with painting than with words....
ReplyDeleteI just know your mom cherishes this painting full of sincerity, love, warmth and genuine emotions.