Monthly Painting Challenge #4 - Brick Wall

Brick Wall with a Touch of Purple
Soft Pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" gray velour board

Gee, I'm glad I did this one! I really like it! And I haven't worked with Soft Pastel's in almost a year. Funny how you can get stuck on one thing. If I had the self-discipline (I HATE THAT PHRASE) I have about 8 paintings I'd like to do. Three are for gifts and really need attention. And you know what? When I mentioned to my daughter Mary Ellen that I had done a pastel last night, she had "Respect and Joy" in her voice. I was proud, too! Thanks Pam, what's up for next month?

There is a person, be it friend or family...

Barbara

Soft Pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" grey velour

nfs, my personal collection

There is a person, be it friend or family, whose devotion is so complete, that before we know our own needs, they have been attended too.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who knows the song in our hearts and sings it to us when our memory fails.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who thinks that you are a good egg even though she knows that you are slightly cracked.

There is a person, be it friend or family, who celebrates your every success, mourns at you losses and stays with you when you are in need.

There is a friend who destiny forgot to give you as a sister. This is that person!

Happy Birthday, my friend, my sister.

In Memory of My Brother

Portrait of Bruce Raymond Saar

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour

nfs, in Private Collection

My younger brother Bruce passed away five years ago today. He was three weeks shy of his 50th birthday. He married only once, to Barbara, once our sister-in-law, now our sister. They had one son, Alex, who is 22 and is entering his 5th year in an Engineering degree.

Bruce was one of the hardest workers I've known. He owned his own lawn and landscape company. He was an Eagle Scout. He had a passion for boating, skiing, fishing and diving. He had many friends and was very social. He called his sisters and Mother occasionally and NEVER failed to say "I Love You". He was a dog owner, having many Viszla's over his lifetime. That may not seem like an accomplishment, but to me, someone that keeps an animal to the end, and then does it again and again, shows compassion and respect for life that is commendable. But best of all, was the love and genuine interest he took in his son Alex. Bruce was a dedicated father that participated in son's life, guiding and teaching and mentoring Alex into the fine man that he is today. There is no higher legacy.

It's easy to tell all the good about someone after they are gone, the pedestal grows taller and higher. For all his good, his faults were many. He lived fast and hard. Our family never thought he would live through his early years but he was stronger than we gave him credit for and even though he didn't live into old age, he lived and experienced a full life. It is my belief, that when someone dies, it is because they have accomplished what their time on earth was about. I believe Bruce is onto the next lesson his soul requires. I believe Bruce is in the hands of Our Father and he is the lucky one for that. I will always miss his presence and wonder what could have been, but I do not wish him back, I know he is on golden streets and in a better place.

I consider this drawing of Bruce to be one of my finest pieces.

To a day of celebrating Bruce with joy and love,
Goodmorning

Mrs. Robinson's favorite boy-toy

No longer a boy, this is still a man to be reckoned with.

Dustin Hoffman

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour paper
$35 includes shipping

SOLD to Dan
beckielboo@comcast.net

Sweet!

A friend is a precious gift

Crab Legs

pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" velour

nfs, Private Collection

This is one of my favorite's. It is a portrait of one of my friends that she gave to her parents. I was pleased by their delight in my work.

Not Ready for Mother's Day

Cherokee

pastel

tan velour

6" by 8.75"

Available $20.00

includes shipping

There is so much I could and want to say about my Mother, but I just can't do it yet. It will have to be a belated greeting when I'm ready.
Goodnight