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Special Painting for a Special Person

Remember when I painted a Farewell Gap oil painting and wouldn’t tell you why? I said it had to be the very best painting I had ever done. The Best Version of the Classic Mineral King Scene

The painting was commissioned by the Mineral King Preservation Society and the Mineral King District Association to be a gift for Louise, someone who has been very instrumental in both preserving the history of Mineral King and developing a good relationship between the cabin owners and Sequoia National Park. 

She also happens to be one of my dearest friends, someone who coached me through my first murals, got me my first paid public mural, and has been more encouraging than anyone I have ever known. She is also an author, and I had the privilege of editing and publishing two books for her: Trail of Promises and The Visalia Electric Railroad. We work together like a well-oiled machine, one that laughs a lot while producing good results.

Here are some photos of the presentation of the painting.

I love this lady.

P.S. These came via email:

1. What a beautiful post, beautiful painting, and beautiful lady.  How is Louise doing?  She looks well. – Jon S.

2. Your “Louise gift” in this morning’s post brought tears. what a touching tribute to my very special cousin.
three cheers for a beautiful exhibit! – Bev

12 Comments

  1. So happy to see you both and the joy your beautiful painting brings!

    • Jessica, it was a perfect way to honor Louise. Thanks for checking in!

  2. Love the pictures and the painting and am so happy for Louise!

    • Thank you, Anonymous! I appreciate hearing anything that speaks of support and love for our dear Louise.

  3. We love the painting and the love and delight that is shown between you two! How precious!!!

    • Thank you for checking in, Anonymous! (I am guessing you are Tom and Linda) Louise and I have had so much fun together in so many different areas of our lives, and this was just icing on the cake.

  4. We love her, too! Louise has played a key roll in Tulare County history promotion and preservation –plus working with her is always fun.

    • Nice to hear from you, Jill! I forgot that you know Louise – I love the overlap in lives around here.

  5. Best. Tribute. Ever! And so well-deserved. I see two Special Ladies in that last photo. [[hugs]]

    • Aw shucks, thank you, Sharon!

  6. Ohhhh- That is the best!!!!!!

    • It was a perfect “plaque” for someone who is very dear to the Mineral King community.

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