Watercolors by Mimi Torchia Boothby

My grandfather was a very special person in my life. He had serenity in a chaotic word, he was patient and affectionate with annoying children like myself, and he liked to laugh. As a very young man, he escaped poverty in Calabria by getting on a boat and starting a new life in the United States, just a couple years before World War I broke out. He wrote home often, and sent money and gifts to his mother and siblings for his entire life. I am certain that the photo I used for a reference for this painting got sent home to his mother: “Mom, look at me, I did it, I’m a success. I have nice clothes, I’m not skinny, look at my handsome son, and hey, I can afford to own a big American car, like this one.”

It is definitely that time of year! What is sweeter than a pregnant woman and her sister marveling about the baby to be. Anna is almost ready.

These daffodils seem to think so!

It’s time, there’s Daffodils in my front yard and in my back yard. One day there were none, now they are everywhere, I don’t know how they did not get my attention sooner. In between portraits, flowers are a great way to stay in shape. I painted this on a piece of 8 x 10″ 300 pound old handmade Indian River paper. I took it to the post office and told him to put stamps on it. and it appears to have arrived in one piece. Hopefully someone will actually bid on this one! It’s to a good cause for sure.

After sending in several envelope-shaped art works, I got a bit more creative. I sent two different watercolors on real watercolor paper, here’s one. Sorry I have not been painting much in the last two months, we have a family member recovering from a grave illness and it’s been tough to carry on with normal activities.

There’s still time for you to participate – http://www.postmarked2010.blogspot.com/ and in March there will be an online auction!

After I finished the portrait of my mother as a glamorous 19 year old, she told me I had to paint her husband too. After all, he had been a gorgeous young man. Yesterday I showed him this painting and he gave me a big smile and said he really liked it. That’s job satisfaction!

I count myself lucky to have friends such as Renin. When she asked for a portrait it was very hard to say no.

Most of us had idealized ideas about our parents as children; my father was the strongest man in the world, my mother was the most beautiful lady. I had forgotten just how beautiful she was until I came upon this old photo. She’s wearing amazing shoes in the photo and a classy navy blue dress, but what really struck me was her face. She really is a beautiful lady, she was alluring and lovely; like a movie star. I remember the reactions of men around her when I was just a little kid, and now I can see why. Happy birthday Wishes to my lovely mother!

Once a year Gage Academy puts on a drawing jam. Anyone who wants to participate needs to show up with drawing supplies and there are models. This time I drew an actress and a real Arabian prince..

One a vacation in Sacramento, California I was struck by the beauty of these tiny plants. Cathy, this one’s for you. Send me your mailing address so I can send it to you.