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.”
Your rendition of your grandfather is perfectly wonderful! My uncles from my mother’s family look similar…full, confident, proud, and prosperous. You get better, Mimi, with each picture!
Hi Mimi, how lovely it is to share in your world, and how lucky to have known your grandfather and have these precious memories of him.
What a wonderful idea to turn your photographs into paintings done in your hand.
The title is perfect.