'All Things Southern' Feature: "Barefoot Beauty"

Private Collection

30"x24"

 

One thing about the South (or just Montgomery....see 2nd paragraph!) that always seems to be a mystery to those outside the South/Montgomery (and maybe a mystery to some of us, too) is why the children are always barefoot.  Unless it is really cold...and I mean, REALLY cold.....kids are usually shoeless.  In their Sunday best.....shoeless.   In weddings.....shoeless.  I LOVE IT! 

Heirloom sewing (another Southern tradition altogether) and sweet feet complement each other beautifully and make a great portrait!

 

Maybe the heat's the reason.  I mean, it's just too hot to be comfortable in shoes most of the time! But....my mother tells about our pediatrician who years ago always recommended that children go without shoes for their good health.  Maybe then all the mothers, upon seeing how adorable the kids are without shoes, just left them in the closet until absolutely necessary.  After searching the internet, it appears this may just be a Montgomery, Alabama thing! 

I'd love to hear your town's story if you have one! 

 

My latest portrait....my sweet little neighbors!  My studio is near an entrance to their house and I paint by the window, so these sweethearts got to see their portrait being painted.  I love hearing, "Hey, Mrs. Barbara!" at the window and see them waving and on tiptoes (little bare tiptoes!) to see what I'm painting! 

 

Not Forgotten

Portraits of

 

Officer Robert C. Ussery

(End of Watch: July 21, 1978)

 

Detective Mary P. McCord

(End of Watch: January 5, 1982)

 

Officer Keith Edwin Houts

(End of Watch: September 30, 2006)

 

Today was a special day.  The police department of my city, Montgomery, Alabama, held their annual service to honor these remarkable people and to remember their fallen fellow officers.  It was a time to reflect on their lives and their sacrifices and to thank those who put themselves in danger for our safety and well-being every single day. 

 

It's been my honor and privilege to paint a portrait of a fallen officer for the ceremony for the past three years.  Posthumous portraits can be difficult if you didn't know the person you're painting; never had a chance to see them laugh or walk or the way they hold their head.  I try to find out what I can about their personalities and, honestly, talk out loud to the photograph sometimes....looking intensely in their eyes and hoping to see what made them 'them'. 

 

I pray I accomplish that.  I have noticed a common thread....hearts of love and a desire to serve combined with toughness and strength and bravery....people to be admired and appreciated and remembered.