“Girl with Opera Glasses”, after Degas

I started this painting 4 months ago.  It’s called “Girl with Opera Glasses” by Edgar Degas.

I sketched it onto a canvas that a friend of mine found in a dumpster.  The things people throw out!

It already had a thick, ivory coat of paint on it.

Look! There’s Knox in the background! He was being so sweet and patient while I took some process photos.

I miss him so much.

I had no idea that Knox would be gone before I finished this painting.  I was about two-thirds done when he passed away.

Now I think about this image in a completely different way.

It’s interesting to consider this image now in light of what has transpired over the last few weeks.

In many ways, I am this woman.

I’m still looking for answers as to why my life has been turned upside down; I’m still trying to understand why my son is not with me.

I wish I had some magic glasses to look through.  I want to see where he is and what he’s doing.

As long as I live, I’ll look forward to the day I can see my little boy clearly again, close up.

 

 

 


15 Comments

  1. Beautifully written and expressed..you have touched my heart with your story……gorgeous art….sweet little one in the backdrop..so magical to see him there..he is part of this special painting! Sending you hugs of comfort and peace… and much love to all those who loved your little boy! Your painting is beautiful…
    Victoria

    • Thanks you so much, Victoria..I appreciate your kind words. This painting will always be extra special to me. Wishing you a blessed weekend, Scarlett

  2. Melanie Keel

    Loved watching the process, and it looks like Knoxy loved watching his mommy hard at work. This is priceless! Love you honey, always in my heart!

  3. Marg Simkins

    I can’t seem to find the words to express how I ache for you Scarlett, but how lovely to read Victoria’s words, she seems to express all that I feel in my heart for you and your family.
    Marg xx

  4. Bernadette Mitchell

    Beautiful Scarlett!

  5. Gorgeous painting Scarlett! I love seeing Knox was a part of this process. Your step by step photos are fabulous!! Beautifully written post. My heart goes out to you. Lots of hugs ~Sophia

  6. This is beautiful!

  7. Lovely work! The photo with Knox in the background makes it all the more precious.

  8. It turn out nicely! And a wonderful memory of your sweet Knox. Blessings! L, Sue

  9. Hi Scarlett – you’ll bring Knox with you into your thoughts and life even now .. I can hear your ache .. it is so sad – but I love the painting and the way you’ve reminded us of Knox always there with you …

    Girl with the Opera Glasses … lovely – you are so creative .. cheers and with many thoughts and hugs Hilary

  10. So glad to see you painting and this is beautiful. Your words are very poignant. Butterfly Dreams Dear…

  11. So sorry for your heartache.

    I like your girl better than Degas’. She seems to have a more interesting character.

  12. This is beautiful, amazingly done! Degas work is amazing, and I love your recreation, lots of great texture and detail, well done!

  13. Debbie Jean

    Hi Scarlett,
    Your little boy and your art is deeply moving. I can not begin to feel your pain or understand your loss, but I scraped along the the top and wanted to send you blessings and encouragement to continue with your creative expressions.
    I think for a painting to be special it has to have passion and meaning behind it. You have inspired me to paint for a reason…

  14. Claudia Brown

    Oh my God. I almost lost my child to a diabetic coma. I came very close to being in your shoes. I feel for you, but have no words to describe what I want to say. One book that was of tremendous help to me, and I cannot explain why, was a book by Viktor Frankel, “Man’s Search for Meaning”. When my daughter was in her coma, I needed to find a meaning. If you read it, I hope that it helps you. Your son was beautiful and so, so lucky to have you as his mother. You are a beautiful person. You may not be aware, but I think that you set an example for others to follow. Claudia

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