Thursday, January 8, 2009

Places of the Heart

Sea Marshes, 12 x 16

We all have special places of the heart and this is one of mine. My husband's great-grandparents built this beach house on St. Simons Island, GA in 1927 as a summer getaway from Atlanta. It was well-loved by five generations of family who gathered there for vacations, reunions, birthdays, funerals and weddings. Bill and I even spent our honeymoon there. Without too much effort, the memories flood back... the outdoor shower, the screen door slamming, kids running through on some grand adventure, and gathering for meals (kids first, adults second). Although Sea Marshes is gone, we will always carry a piece of it with us. That's how it is with places of the heart.

This is a special request painting for Rawson, my son, part of the fifth generation to love the beach house. xoxo

8 comments:

Nancy B. Hartley said...

Laurel, what a beautiful painting and what a sweet story! The islands off of Georgia are beautiful. My husband and I spent some time there several years ago. Your painting really captures the feeling and makes me want to make a return trip! Thank you for sharing the great art and personal story!

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

How nice to have a special place, it really looks like "home". Your love of the place shows in your brushstrokes. I know your son will love the painting.

Jeff Mahorney said...

I love it. Such fun brushwork and strong contrasts. The inky bush shadows are great. The muted treeline is so well done. Reminds me how I need to read more John F. Carlson

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Laurel,

I love how your affection for place
translates into such lyrical brushstrokes, brilliantly chosen colours -- total harmony.

This is a beauty -- as always. Your son will be thrilled.

Take care,

Barbara

Joan Breckwoldt said...

Laurel, what a treasure! and I can see from this sensitive painting how much you love the place. How fortunate you are to have had a place like this with so many memories of family. What a wonderful gift.
Joan

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

beautiful and you can feel the history.

Kay Miller said...

TRULY A STATEMENT OF YOUR GIFT OF PAINTING AND YOUR TENDER HEART. KAY M.

Elaine Hurst said...

I love the islands around GA. That house looks a lot like the one we used to stay in, owned by my aunt, in Bluffton, SC, on the May River. I also can remember the sound of slamming screen doors, chameleons on the trees, crabbing off the dock, and so much more. Thank you for sharing your memories.