Some years ago while speaking via phone with my Mom at her Florida home, I was told she came across a picture in the house they bought that that she didn't care for but thought I'd like. She wasn't sure, however, because it was mostly black and orange and the frame was not attractive. When I asked for the description, she said it was a "Little Girl in Orange" with a basket of flowers. I should explain the house in question was a 1950's ranch in an unassuming neighborhood with mostly modern/beachy furnishings. Quite welcoming but by no means traditional in it's styling.
I was a bit skeptical based on color combo, description and location that there would be a match for what was my conservative Early American taste but asked if she would hold on to it until my next visit. What a surprise when I finally saw the painting. Mom may not have done the piece justice in her description but she certainly knew my style. The second surprise was that between our original phone call and my arrival, she had grown fond of the painting and wanted to keep it in residence. She did share, however, that it would be mine someday. Mom has now passed on and the "Little Girl in Orange" is in our home. Right under my name on the back of the painting is hand-written "Jillian" - my young niece who also admired this painting while at Grandma's but was told it was going to me first. This little piece of art left behind by it's original owner could not be considered valuable from a monetary standpoint but has now touched and endeared itself to three generations of family members. I never look at this painting without smiling and thinking of my mother. So I'll have to agree, art is definitely personal - find something you love and pass it on.
I was a bit skeptical based on color combo, description and location that there would be a match for what was my conservative Early American taste but asked if she would hold on to it until my next visit. What a surprise when I finally saw the painting. Mom may not have done the piece justice in her description but she certainly knew my style. The second surprise was that between our original phone call and my arrival, she had grown fond of the painting and wanted to keep it in residence. She did share, however, that it would be mine someday. Mom has now passed on and the "Little Girl in Orange" is in our home. Right under my name on the back of the painting is hand-written "Jillian" - my young niece who also admired this painting while at Grandma's but was told it was going to me first. This little piece of art left behind by it's original owner could not be considered valuable from a monetary standpoint but has now touched and endeared itself to three generations of family members. I never look at this painting without smiling and thinking of my mother. So I'll have to agree, art is definitely personal - find something you love and pass it on.
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