"Left Behind"
5 x 7 watercolor
I'm the youngest in my family and I seriously hero worshipped my older sister. Wherever she went, I wanted to go too. I felt like I deserved to go, I mean why wouldn't she want her cute and never annoying little sister around her ALL. THE. TIME?
I still don't get it.
She was pretty good about letting me come with her almost all the time. Except for those times when she had dates or dances. Then I had to stay home. :( Come on, you didn't want your little sister to go on your dates with you either? That's just shocking.
I imagine I looked a little like this horse when I had to stay home. Except for a fence, it would have been my face pressed to the window.
I watched this horse get left behind for some reason (maybe she was sick, or not strong enough to go on long mountain treks with the others) all summer long. And every time she would wait at the fence, leaning into it and craning her neck to try and get a glimpse of her friends.
It was really touching to see her devotion and it reaffirmed to me that in some ways we're not all that different from animals. We all just want to be with the people (or in this case, horses) we love.
On a little bit lighter note, a few days ago I heard from a blog reader, Jake, who thought he had a better idea for the title of a recent piece I posted.
I'm always open to suggestions and honestly, I kind of titled this painting in a moment of desperation. I was in an EXTREME hurry and called it the first thing that came to mind.
But I think I like Jake's title better. So, I'm rechristening "Radiance" to. . .
"A Rather Blustery Day"
Thanks for the great title Jake!
I'll see you guys later, have a great next couple of days!
Beautiful, Crystal! I love the colors you cast on the white horse contrasted with the intensity of the eye and nose are just wonderful. Your story makes it even better, you really have captured that emotion. I'm the older sibling so I never really had that experience, you gave me a good insight into what my brother felt like when we were younger. Great post and I really like the new title, isn't this bloggy world so cool.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the horse's hair- that could have been another rather blustery day :) Beautiful colorful whites on the horse and I love how the background sets it off.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, your "Left Behind" is fabulous! The warm undertones on the neck and jaw are great.
ReplyDeleteI am also the younger sister and this endears your "Left Behind" painting to my heart, this is simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this horse painting is so apt. As soon as I read the title the painting loooked out of this world. Looks like you did identify with the horse. :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Crystal. And, thanks for your lovely comments on my blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful watercolour - you can feel the emotion in it. Well done! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting! And I enjoyed your story. We have two Australian shepherds who whine through the fence whenever we leave the house. They want to go, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely painting! Its amazing how you can link a story to almost every painting of yours. Just goes to show how attentive you are to your subject and how deeply you feel the emotions involved.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Oh my little sister. How I wish I could go back and have a do-over for those years. I know I was an awful big sister and I'm so sorry for it. You were a sweet girl and I was a brat. I hope I have redeemed myself a little in the time since then. I love you so much and am thankful for you everyday. You are my one true motivator and I would not be doing what I'm doing without your undying confidence in me. I will never leave you behind again. Much love :) Jen
ReplyDeleteI just loved reading this post! It made me smile :0)
ReplyDeleteThe horse is beautiful. I think that all of those beautiful soft colours in his coat are just stunning :0)
Both pictures are wonderful. You are so talented.
ReplyDeletewow! I'm awestruck by your luminous water colours, and your portraits, wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteLove the pitting of the (french ultramarine?)in the background, and the reflected colour to the foal with reds and yellows.
ReplyDeleteI love the painting and I love what your sister wrote! How beautiful to have such a loving sibling! I am an only child and have never known the sister thing, although I have felt almost like sisters with a few of my close friends.
ReplyDeleteBellissimo e regale il cavallo! Molto belle le parole.....e.....complimenti
ReplyDeletesono il nr 200!!!!
Ciao
Francesco
So glad to have found your blog, Crystal. Such beautiful work here! I love all the colors in the white horse and the contrast in the portrait. She is truly lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog. It's nice to meet you neighbor!
Beautiful horse! Love the colors. Love the blog header painting too:)
ReplyDeleteMuchas gracias por seguir mi blog y sus amables palabras.
ReplyDeleteMe ha encantado el suyo. Es realmente maravilloso. Lo seguire atentamente. Saludos desde Sevilla, Jose
I love this one Crystal, then I love all your work....But this one, the colours, everything about it is excellent.....
ReplyDeleteSo glad to find your blog. I love this painting, "Left Behind". It is a perfect name for it. I see my own horses acting the same way when one of the herd is out of sight. Beautiful work.
ReplyDelete