In Memory of Debra (Debby) Rozman

"You are going to love this girl!"  said my dear friend Jen, who booked Emily's painting sessions as a gift.  And as always, Jen was spot on right.  I do.  I adore her!   I would like to introduce a new, dear friend, whose beauty shines inside and out.  She looks so much like her mother, who I know had a huge influence on her beautiful, vibrant personality and faith.   Emily, I loved working with you, and I feel so honored to have helped you on this painting in honor of your mom.  Here's her story in Emily's words:

My Mom died five days after my wedding day.  

She and I had spent our whole lives giggling and guessing and praying for the man I would someday share my life with.  She knew me at my worst and still saw the best in me.  I was so excited about including her in the next adventures in my life of becoming a wife and mother when, in an instant, she was gone.  

July 29th, 2014 will be 5 years since she died.  Some days the pain is still as raw as it was on day one and other days it feels like five lifetimes ago.  The ones I mourn her loss for the most are my children.  Now that I am a Mom, I understand much more fully the infinite value of my Mom, and the unconditional love that she would have given my husband and my boys.  

Growing up, our family would do family canoe trips.  We started doing it while all four of us could fit in one canoe together – my sister and I in the middle, Mom in the front and Dad in the back.  As my sister and I grew, we had to expand to two canoes – Mom and my sister took one, Dad and I in the other.  On one of these trips, somehow near the end of the river my Mom and I each ended up riding solo in our own canoes and were lagging behind the rest of the group.  We were about 100 feet from the take-out spot when she and I both noticed a larger off-shoot of the river that pooled into a dead end.  It was filled with lily pads and water lilies.  I thought it was the most amazing sight and I told my Mom I was going to paddle over and pick one of the water lilies as a memento.  She stopped me and told me I couldn’t because it was an endangered species and there would be a fine if I was caught.  I was bummed – it felt like one of those moments I would never get another chance at.  She saw the disappointment on my face and, after a moment’s consideration, she took off towards the lily pads with a determined look set on her face.  About halfway there, it suddenly began to rain – a downpour, not just a drizzle – but she kept on going until she picked the perfect flower and triumphantly paddled back to me.  That act may not seem significant to anyone else, but it meant the world to me.  It was more than just a flower; it was a Mother sacrificing her comfort for the sake of her daughter.  She treated me with this kindness every single day of my life.  

In honor of her memory, I painted this image to represent who she was to me – a warm, wise, spunky, woman who loved with a selflessness I pray I can emulate every day I have left here on this earth.  

In the words of Proverbs 31:28, I arise and call her blessed.

Emily found a beautiful photograph that she loved and hoped to paint its likeness.  It is of a tip of a canoe and paddle floating through water and lily pads.  It also had a reflection of the sky in it as well.   It was a beautiful image and she did an amazing job painting it!   Here is the first session process:

We got the base colors and background in the first day, and would be building on this as we continued meeting, and talking!   Emily, I loved our painting sessions!  You are so easy to connect with!  I could also tell from this first meeting, she would have a beautiful result when it was completed!

Session 2:   Today Emily added more detailing to the canoe and started the lily pads.  I told her that today was the day she stopped fearing painting!

You can see my sketches in this picture of where the lily pads would be placed.

Here you can see the photo image that Emily chose to base her painting on....

AH!  Looking even MORE amazing!

Session 3:   Today Emily completed the lily pads and started the oar.  I loved how confident and brave she got with mixing, and adding color and shades with the lily pads.  I just LOVE THEM!

And for our final meeting, she did some more shading on the oar, and small touch ups to complete this gorgeous image.   Then I told her I was taking a picture of her today, and she laughed because of all the sessions, today was the day she didn't wear make-up.  Emily, you'll have to forgive me for forcing your pic, but in my defense, it should be easy because you are so gorgeous naturally!     Then it was another AMAZING painting out my door for her to enjoy.   Glad I have picture images, and a wonderful new friend from this process!    God bless you Emily!   I hope you smile every time you see your painting, and remember your beautiful mom!  It was an honor to help you create this painting!