Thank you! And more thoughts on the portrait of K

I am overwhelmed by the comments that were left on both my blog and KB's blog regarding K's portrait, Seize the Day. I appreciate each and every one of them, thank you all so much!

There were two comments posted on KB's blog post that I would like to share:

From houdstooth:

"...There are times when we all feel helpless as we watch someone we care about go through a difficult struggle. Being able to do "something" is the way a lot of people try to feel better about a situation they can't change. You and K have brought inspiration to so many people, I'm so glad that we could repay you in some small way for sharing her (and yourself) with all of us!"


Knowing that my art can be the "something" that makes people feel better and brings them together means the world to me. There is nothing more rewarding than that.


From TK and Squashies:

"KB,

This blog has always been a masterpiece. You have painted K's essence, with your amazing love, empathy, and prose.

How could we not know K's spirit?

To have the ability, the talent and the empathy to capture that spirit in a single image, is beyond my comprehension. But we I stand, spell-bound, in the presence of Kathleen's work.

When two great masters of perception come together- this is the result. I am humbled and honored to have been here to observe.

THANK YOU, to three great ladies for reminding me of what is important. And what is not."

This is exactly what happened. I had more than just a photo of a beautiful dog to work from. I had KB's entire blog to work from - I knew her hopes and fears, and K's moods and joy for life. I felt all of that weave itself effortlessly into the painting, and the video. It was a very humbling experience.

The blog community is just that - a community. And it's an honor to be a part of it.

Thank you everyone again for your kind comments. I wish I had time to visit each blog individually to thank you. 

Much love to you all,

Seize the Day

Seize the Day, 16 x 20 inch, oil on canvas

© 2012 Kathleen Coy

When I was commissioned for a surprise painting of K from the blog Romping and Rolling in the Rockies, I was truly honored. This inspiring blog is a favorite of mine for many reasons - the dogs, the scenery, the wildlife, and the heartfelt writing.

For those who don't know, K is a chocolate lab who reminds us about living in the moment and enjoying each day to the fullest, despite her frightening health concerns. (Animals are such great teachers!) The author of this beautifully written and fascinating blog shares her bittersweet journey with the world, and I appreciate her courage.

When I say it was an honor to paint K, I truly mean that. It was an honor to be thought of by the blog community to paint this gift, to know that I was chosen to create something with such meaning for her family. And I hope, along with all those involved with this surprise, that this painting will help to ease some of the pain and bring comfort to all who love K.

The painting shows K facing into the sunset, giving her fur a reddish glow that her human loves. The look on her face is pure K, and can be summed up by one phrase: Carpe Diem!!

I was inspired to make a pretty epic (for me) video of the process. I think the only thing missing is car chases and explosions. All kidding aside, I enjoy making these painting videos. I hope you enjoy it, too.

Be sure to have your speakers on!

Here's the direct link to the video: http://vimeo.com/40682331

Much love,

New project, a painting a day!

No posts since January doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I'll post some updates soon, but I wanted to let you know about a new project I've started - a painting a day for a year! WHY??? You can read about it on my new daily painting blog:

http://katsdailypaintings.blogspot.com/

I hope you'll follow along with me on the journey.

Much love,