Name: Kimberley Heffley
Location: USA
Title: ‘Mary Aldene Palmer Shuman
Size: 8.5″ x 11″
Medium: Watercolor
Artist web site: http://elffeh.blogspot.com/
From Kimberley:
This is my maternal grandmother who passed away in 2003. It took me 4
hours to paint the morning of July 22, 2009. It is my first painted
portrait. I know I don’t have the polish and skill of so many others
but I am very proud of this piece. The best compliment I got was from
my eldest brother, who at first glance thought it was a photograph then
realized the background had nothing in it.
When my grandmother passed away she left behind one sister (the last of
10) a multitude of other descendants culminating in one great great
grandchild. The night she passed I wrote a poem attempting to give
voice to all those she left behind:
Tell the ones gone before dear Sister,
That my memories are still strong.
Tell Mom how much I miss her,
And Pop its been too long.
The Lord has called you home Mama,
The ones left behind will understand,
As much as we wish you could stay Gram,
Someday we too will join you in his land.
Time was not on our side Nana,
But don’t worry we will still know who you are,
So many people who love you Nonnie,
Will tell us your never too far.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Sonya Meglaurel // Aug 15, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Kimberly, I can read the love in this clearly. No greater work of art though than your tribute. As the tribute progress one knows the love with each changing turn of the hand that wrote it. Absolutely lovely. Thank you.
2 Eric S. // Aug 16, 2009 at 12:08 am
You brought tears to my eyes! Such a lovely tribute, and beautiful painting. I can feel the love in this work so strong and vibrant. Thank you.
3 Vikki // Aug 16, 2009 at 12:11 am
Hi Kimberly your painting and story is so endearing. Her painting is one you will always treasure through your career as an artist.
Vikki
4 Beckie Saar Leone // Aug 16, 2009 at 1:52 am
Kimberly, I saw this on your Blog and I’m so glad you shared it here with us. We should all do painting of our beloveds. This is a treasure!
5 Marian Fannon Christian // Aug 16, 2009 at 11:21 am
Your writing brought a lump to my throat and I can’t believe this is your first painted portrait! Such expression in her eyes.
6 Kimberley // Aug 16, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Thank you everyone…she was the only grandparent I really got to know…I did it as a tribute to share with my family…
7 Heather // Aug 21, 2009 at 6:11 am
Wonderful work. Such raw emotion. I love it, and I feel like I would have loveder her too if I had been gifted with getting to know her. You are lucky you loved her, she looks like a super fantastic person.
8 Gregory Van Raalte // Aug 27, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Very touching. A beautiful tribute.
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