My Mother Betty - Happy Mother's Day

I'm grabbing a box of Kleenex for this one. Betty is my Mother. There are countless wonderful things I could say here about her, but I’ll steer this in the direction of art.  My mom encouraged me from a very early age with all kinds of art projects. I was like a sponge when it came to doing anything crafty and she knew it. As soon as I finished that project, she would have another one lined up.  How can you thank someone who not only saw that you’re feed, clothed and have a roof over your head, but gives you the opportunity to explore your inner nature?

When I graduated from high school I earned a scholarship for the San Francisco Art Institute. My mother sat me down and told me that she would pay the balance if I wanted to go.  Needless to say, I was too young to realize just how important it would have been to take her up on that offer. Regretfully it was my shyness that kept me from pursuing in that direction in a college where Richard Diebenkorn had been a student as well as a teacher. My mother loved original art. She had original paintings in ever room of her home including mine.

Mom I am so grateful to what you have given to me.

Now, about this painting  ‘Betty’. I choose a rich color palette and the dab of deep coral that reminds me that Mom never ever left the house without making sure she had on her lipstick.  Mom, I miss you so much it hurts. Thank you.
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About this Collection 
This is one of many small oil paintings in my series titled ‘Women’. They each represent family, friends and other women who bring inspiration in our daily lives. This project started out as a study for future color palettes for my larger paintings and emerged as little gems. At first when it came time to name each piece, I realized that each had their own personalities and reminded me of individuals that have touched my life in some way.