Both of my parents were artists and they were both self-taught.  I never realized how awesome that was until I began my art classes in college.  I took 5 college art classes and their work is still better than mine in my opinion.

In the 70′s, it was popular to do reversed paintings on glass.  The piece was painted on the back of a piece of glass with the foremost highlights being painted first and the background being last.  It really was amazing.  I could see how frustrating it could be to finish the work, turn the glass over, and realize that the cheek bones were not highlighted and shaded properly or that little white dot in the eye was off.

My mother did these paintings all the time.  I don’t know how many of them are still floating around.  I have three of these paintings of hers.  One is of my daughter.  It is wrapped in a box somewhere and I really don’t know why.  I need to get that on a wall.  Another one is of the girl in the corner with the dog.  I wish I knew the name of the piece.  I loved that painting as a kid.  I always felt I could relate to that girl although my mother never put me in the corner.  She was too Italian for Time-Outs!  The hand was preferred.

I am sad that this painting has a crack in the corner of the glass and since the glass IS the canvas, there  is nothing I can do about it.

It’s Funny How Death Changes Our Opinions

My mother also painted one of a Spanish Dancer.  I don’t know if she sold it or gave it away as a gift but one day (in the mid 90′s), my sister was at a garage sale and IT WAS FOR SALE!  She bought it and took it home to my mom.  It was unbelievable, really.  But my mom’s signature was at the bottom to prove it!

My mom insisted it be hung on the wall.  The thing was enormous for the space and my sister (and I) thought it was completely gaudy.  Nothing against Spanish Dancers (in case you happen to be one) but between the size and the colors, how could we ever make this work?

When my mother died, that painting transformed before my very eyes and I wanted it.  BAD.  Lucky for me, my sister still found it to be gaudy and thought it was going to be a headache to get rid of.  She joked that she would have to pay someone to take it.  I asked her if I could have it.  She was thrilled and said “yes” and I was thrilled to have it.  I think it is absolutely stunning.  The painting is proudly displayed in my living room and I have received several compliments on it.  One person asked if I would sell it.  My answer was, “There is not enough money in the world that would convince me to sell that painting!”  I truly meant it when I said it and I still mean it now.

 

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