Grandma Mary Gallegos

This last week my grandma, Mary Gallegos, passed away. It’s been hard, but at the same time, I haven’t really processed it yet because she lived in Idaho, so it doesn't feel like anything has changed. I’m going up there next weekend for the memorial service and I’m sure it will feel a lot more real once I’m there with all my family. But until then, I’m not even really sure what I feel.

My grandma was a painter and a house-wife and loved her family deeply. Growing up I always saw this painting that my grandma did (I’m guessing it’s more of a study than a finished piece) sitting in her garage. I always liked it and one day, before she moved from Whittier to Idaho, I asked her what she was going to do with it. She didn’t even want it so I told her I wanted it and it’s been hanging in my room ever since. It’s my favorite painting of my grandma’s. I love the spontaneity of her strokes and how she only gives the impression of some of the objects. Plus I love the color scheme, it fits with my room very well! So in memory of her, and her artistic life, I did a study of her study. Mine is a little more polished and “finished”…I don’t know if I would be able to capture the spontaneity of her strokes. But I'm happy with it and I'm sure she would have enjoyed it as well.

I'm so thankful that some her personality and passion is captured in her paintings so I will remember her, always. I will miss you grandma. 

 My grandma's study is about 24x48.

I did a 6x12 study of my grandma's study.

Grandma's Portrait

A quick portrait of my grandma, done in charcoal for my heads and hands class.

Painting With Grandma

Recently I had the chance to go painting with my grandma for the first time. Above is the quick painting I did while I was with her. My grandma has produced many beautiful paintings in her life. She used to take classes and go paint landscapes with her friends quite often. She has a beautiful style that, in some strange way, resembles my grandma's gentle, quite, yet strong nature. Sadly, she has not painted in years....many, many years. Just recently my grandpa passed away leaving my grandma feeling lonely after over 50 years of marriage. I can't imagine losing that kind of love and support after having it for so long. During my family's latest visit to see her I brought my paints and some canvases so we could paint together to, hopefully, cheer her up a little and encourage her to start painting again. We went to the park/beach in Idaho and let the scenery inspire us. What a memorable moment for me to paint with my grandma; seeing her at work, asking her questions, observing her techniques, and even sharing some things that I have learned so far in my art career.

I hope my grandma remembers how much she loves painting.
I hope she has been inspired to paint more on her own.
I hope I remember that day forever.
I hope I get to paint with her again.

But I hope, most of all, she felt some happiness that day.