I had planned to blog about my latest watercolor find….a special paper…but that post was postponed by a very special little lady and a very special story………I finished Rosie…..well….Rosie Marie is her full name…finished Rosie portrait paintingOh what fun it is!  The bright and playful background is a first for me….normally I keep the background rather soft and out of focus.  Somehow Rosie Marie just needed a bit more “zip”!  She is such a lively little girl…full of fun and mischief.  I will miss her, both the painting and the pup.  She and her parents left yesterday…heading for home after spending the winter here in Yuma.  Good news is they will be back next winter and so will we…..I can’t imagine how much she will have grown when I see her next.  Rosie is one lucky little pup….rescued from a shelter and now has the “bestest” of parents who love her bunches!  This portrait of Rosie was my gift to them.  Every year I try to paint one or two furry pet portraits and then ‘gift’ them to the parents.  It is a very rewarding experience.  How do I choose……I rarely do.  Usually it is the furry critter that chooses me.  Something about them draws me in and I just can’t resist…..Rosie was one such pup.  I never expect anything in return, but over the years I have received lovely thank you cards, flowers, and oh so many grand and wonderful hugs!  This year I was truly honored and touched….Rosie’s parents ‘gifted’ me back with a very special gift……

Handmade QuiltRosie’s mom is a beautiful quilter and presented me with this spectacular quilt as a ‘Thank you’ for Rosie’s portrait.  It has a panel on the back with my name and a handwritten ‘thank you’ for painting Rosie.  I will cherish this and someday when I’m long gone I hope someone (maybe a great, great, great grandchild), will run their hand across that handwritten panel…..and smile…feeling all the love that went into and surrounds this quilt…knowing it is very special indeed.

22 Comments

  1. debbie-I’m veri impressed with your blogs! and can’t wait to hear from you when Nuchi is on your “board”!
    Chris & I were so pleased to meet you in Yuma. WE wish you the best in your travels and hope to meet up with you in the coming year!!
    Vicky Pilayo!

    1. Thank you Vicky! So glad you were able to stop by and I am sooooo looking forward to painting Nuchi! I’ll be in touch as soon as I get started! Safe travels to you all as well!

  2. What a beautiful, moving story about two thoughtful, generous people you each are! The gifts you each made for each other are as you stated, “filled with love”.

  4. Rosie is so beautiful! I just love that brightly colored background. And Rosie’s quilt? Outstanding. I’ll bet you can hardly wait till next winter when Rosie’s family returns to Yuma!

    1. Thanks Harmony! Yes that background was definitely out of my comfort zone! But I so love the way it all came together!

  5. i just love the portrait of miss Rose Marie – you captured her personality! I think that is an extremely hard thing to do as an artist! And – the quilt is stunning – what a wonderful keepsake for you. I would look forward to seeing Rosie again too!

    1. Thanks Vickie….I do try very hard to capture that ‘personality’ so important! So I really appreciate the compliment!

  6. I just love this painting, Debbie. It would be so cool to see a series of them. Not sure if you are planning to do that – ha! But they are just so cute!!

  9. What a gift!! Your talent and the blanket. Wow what an opportunity for you to get to know such wonderful people through your travels. What fun it all must be.

  10. Stunning painting and such a beautiful quilt. What a beautiful exchange to one another. So special. I love the dog’s name “Rosie Marie” – my middle names are “Marie Rose” this made me smile. 🙂

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