An original oil painting by June Pauline Zent
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This painting was inspired by watching my daughter walking with her grandfather on a sunny spring afternoon. It occurred to me that just the hands alone were rich in symbolism to convey the essence of my feelings about this scene.
As with many of my paintings this one has a history of true stories. A few are a bit fantastic but true non the less. When relating them some people look aghast as if thinking that they were conjured by yours truly. To combat this impression I have always photographed checks for commissioned and purchased originals. In addition all correspondence both personal and business have been saved as proof and also as an accurate record of my work. The reader is welcome to request proof of these true stories.
In the beginning this canvas was set up on a table easel in my kitchen where I alternately cooked and painted and sometimes both simultaneously. The work was about three-fourths finished on a snowy Sunday morning while I was busy at the stove. A full ashtray was sitting just below the painting; not exactly good technique, when one of my then four kids took a deep breath and blew ashes all over the painting. You have heard that most artists have a temper and mine was boiling! I shouted ” If you don’t want me to paint then I wont!” Grabbing the canvas I stomped to the back door and heaved it out into the snow. My husband, who was an ardent fan ran outside and rescued it. After he blew off the snow and ash it was in perfect condition. He squirreled it away out of my sight and the “Drama Queen” completed the dinner crying all the while. Later he packed up the canvas and all of my equipment in the car, handed me the keys to a volunteered dental office and said, ” Go and finish this painting”. The lighting in that office was wonderful as was the blessed quiet. I painted away and the work was finished by morning thanks to a very caring husband!
This work was first publicly shown at a sidewalk art show on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. when the show date arrived I was in labor with our third son in the hospital. True to his nature Courtney hauled the artwork to Williamsburg and sat up the display at the show. The painting won Best of Show, First Place Oil, and the Peoples Choice Award. Then he rushed back to the hospital to announce the win and see his new son! There was even an article in the newspaper the next day heralding his gallantry. Copy saved!
The canvas was a part of my display in several more shows winning more awards and because people seemed to relate to it so much I decided to publish a limited Edition Print of 2,000 images which eventually sold out. Recently I have produced with the new technology a Limited Edition Gicle’e Print because I continue to receive request for this image. You will be surprised to learn who purchased the original oil and the stories that continue about this painting. Writing is not exactly my medium. You might have guessed that! It is slow and painfully done but as you will see if you return these stories need to be told and I am the only person who qualifies to relate them. Please come back for more about They Walked Together in the next post.
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Funny – I was just thinking about your blog the other day and wondered when you would write on it again! I know it’s not easy to write but the stories are great and I really appreciate it!
Thank you so much Addie! I need all of the encourgement that I can get. I wish that they had a spell checker on the reply page. I am lost without it!
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It seems two wonderful things were created in your story. I am glad to have been one of them. After I finish creating my family tree web site, I will add this article with your permission and hopefully it will last for generations.
Your son- Berrie
And I am so proud that you are my son! I would be lost without you! You always have my permission to do anything that you want with my artwork and my stories. I do feel the need to tell them now but I will not embarrass you except for my spelling. Wish that they had a spell check on reply! Thank you again for fixing the picture as it should be!
I love this post! Thanks mom for sharing this.
Thank you Holly; your openion is important to me! Everyone needs to know that your hand was used as the model for They Walked Together and you were the daughter walking with your grandfather that inspired this painting.
My dear sister June Pauline. This blog is just the greatest. I am looking at “they walked together” as I am typing. It has always been my favorite, and i treasure it so much. Your talent in so many areas is amazing. I love you so much. Love Marlene
My dear sister Carol Marlene. I am so glad that you like the blog and I hope to post several more stories about this painting. I wish that you could make a blog and let the world see what a great talent that you are! There are stories about you and me that I will post down the road. We had a very intresting upbringing to say the least. One day I will turn many of these post into a book very carefully! All of your love right back to you from me!!!
Very interesting – I’ve never heard about the story behind the painting. So which brat blew the ashes? 🙂
Hey Bill, Great to see you here! I don’t remember which one it was but Addie and Holly were just babies so at the time only one of two could have done it. hint, hint!
Very nice story, June!
Thank you Bruce! It’s great to have you following. There is a lot more to this story and I hope to post the second part today. I am new and slow at this but having a great time!
I’ve truly enjoyed your blog and have nominated you for a couple awards! If you’re interested, please visit: http://ltclifeonhigh.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/more-love-to-be-passed-around/
Wow! Just when I was wondering if blogging was really something that I wanted to pour all this time into, and wondering if anything I wrote about could make a difference you nominated me for these awards. I am honored both by the awards and by the person who thought me worthy! I love your blog, and what a compliment! Thank you again and again. I will accept the awards and follow the instructions though it will take me some time to choose nominees; there are so many great bloggers! I know that you already have them otherwase you would be at the top of my list! I also have to learn how to place the awards on my blog. I have so much to learn!!! Have a wonderful day!
A beautiful image that will stand the test of time!!! Your skill is awesom and then your write also, a very wonderful combination…i am glad i found your site. It has blessed my day today!
As you have made mine also Wendell! Thank you for this lovely comment!
Thank you for this beautiful post,I’ve really enjoyed it.
Thank you for visiting so many post on my blog. Now I will have more opportunity to visit yours. So glad that you enjoyed the work!
I really love your blog,it’s awesome!
You’re always very welcome to enjoy Bosnia and Herzegovina!
All the best!
I will certainly Keep up with your blog and post. So happy that you enjoy mine as I do yours. The invitation is always out for you as well. Its wonderful to have friends all the way around the world! All of the best to you right back.
Email me at junezent@gmail.com