Designing in Faith

It is so gratifying to hear the stories behind my commissions and I am so honored to play a part in these stories. Many times I get one photo of a pet or person to paint. Sometimes I get two photos for a composite. Sometimes an owner wants me to add a pet that crossed over to a painting with a living pet or family member. But this time, I was asked to create a portrait of three daughters and Linda provided a variety of pictures to choose from.

I was thrilled but a little nervous because I had never done a composite like this. When I admitted to Linda that I had reservations about the project, she said she thought I was on the right track. Linda is definitely a woman of faith and I told myself I would need a lot of faith, too, for this one. At that time, I didn't know that Faith, the oldest daughter in the portrait, would be the center of a special surprise for Ken. I asked Linda to share her story for this post. It warmed my heart when I heard it and it brings happy tears as I feel the joy of this wonderful family.

"Birthday presents should fit the person and not be given only to fulfill a custom. This is easier said than done. My husband’s birthday was around the corner when I contacted Virginia about creating something special. I’ve known about Dunedin Artsy Tales for some time but had the impression that the photos were only of pets and animals. After I realized that Virginia worked with many subjects, I asked her if she could combine separate photos of my husband’s three daughters into one painting.

"I found several photos of my husband’s twins but nothing more recent than 20 years ago for his oldest daughter. After messaging her with an explanation of the planned surprise painting, she quickly responded with pictures and a wish to come and see her Dad on his birthday. A second surprise was set in motion by secretly arranging for her to fly from Seattle to Memphis just in time for Thanksgiving and her Dad’s birthday.

"I presented the painting following Thanksgiving dinner, with twenty family members attending. The gasps of surprise and delight brought tears to my eyes. These birthday presents truly fit the person. Dad and daughter had quality time together and we have a lovely painting to remember all three daughters."

This is the finished portrait hanging in the lovely Parker home.

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The Parker Girls

Designing in Spirit,

Virginia