THEY WALKED TOGETHER II
PRINTS AVAILABLE CLICK
http://artzent.dyndns.org/?p=743
An original oil on canvas by June Pauline Zent 18×24 inches. The models for this painting are talk show host Mike Douglas and his wife Genevieve.
There was really no end to the surprises. Now Buddy wanted to introduce me to another celebrity friend that he planned to gift with my artwork. His name was Mike Douglas seen every weekday on his TV talk show. I watched or listened to it often. He and his wife Genevieve owned a condo on Jupiter Island where they would be available for me to visit and to photograph. Buddy’s idea was to give them an oil painting of their hands, then produce a series of drawings that could be sold as Limited Edition prints.
I pulled on my jeans with an appropriate blouse, threw the camera case and my purse over the shoulder, and took off for the island in my tiny compact car. I considered that I was under dressed but the famous talk show host might as well know the real me so that we could establish an honest rapport. The elevator seemed to climb forever to their apartment high up in the huge condo where my arrival had been announced in advanced.
The door was opened by the handsome man who I recognized but he had a scowl on his face which changed instantly to a wide grin. I guess he no longer viewed me as a threat when getting a look at this five foot high 105 lb. unassuming little woman. After introductions the visit lasted about an hour with me snapping picture of their hands in various poses. Some were taken out on the balcony where the ocean could be used as a background reference. We became quite friendly and finished with the three of us sitting at the dining room table viewing photos of their beautiful grandchildren. You could see the proud pleasure on their faces as they shared stories and I was truly entertained. I left with warm hugs and a feeling of having had the privilege of acquiring two new friends. Mike was the outgoing extrovert and Gen the gentle, soft-spoken but strong complement. This realization greatly influenced the final drawings and the oil painting above. Here is a letter I received written by Gen while the work was in progress.
Arriving back home there was the usual call from Buddy who was pleased with reports from them. He also talked about a movie that he had signed to make with Chris Christofferson in California. ” Honey he said, I have to do it no matter how I feel or how sick I am”. “No one will ever insure me for a film if I opt out, besides it’s the first time I have ever been offered a million bucks to star in a film.”
Our next meeting was a visit from him at my tiny apartment where he spent time playing ball with Billy who was busy trying his best to ignore him. Buddy kept glancing at me with an inquisitive look. I knew why: he had shaved his beard, now looking more like the Buddy of his youth. But I wasn’t about to acknowledge or volunteer an opinion. Finally he blurted out, ” Notice anything different?” Laughing I said, “Oh, you mean your clean-shaven face? I saw that before you entered the room.” And hastened to say, “You look great to me either way.”
How long would it take before he was gone? My head swirled with questions that I needed to ask before he left. I mustered the courage. ” what’s your relationship with Dinah Shore?” He answered, ” She is a dear, dear friend”. “and your relationship with Tammy Wynette?” again, ” She is a dear, dear friend.” OK, I had no right to ask these questions much less discuss his answers, but I knew that they were both much more involved.
“There is something that I want you to do for me.” he said later, Cat dancing is pregnant.” News to me! ” I want you to be ready with your camera to take pictures as soon as she gives birth then paint an oil for me of her and the new baby. Of course I agreed. I would have done anything to make him happy!
Stay tuned for Continued eight where i hope to see you here.
Added note: The original artwork titled SEAQUARIUM is now offered for sale here.
artzent
zentcreativeblog 
Even before you mentioned how Mike was the extrovert and Genevieve his gentle but strong complement, I could see a reflection of that in your painting and was glad I’d “interpreted” it the “right” way (not that there really is a right or wrong but I think you know what I mean 😉 ).
As always, the story has left off in a place that leaves me wanting to hear more!
Lillian, It makes me very happy that you could see what I was trying to say in the painting not only for Mike and Gen but for every couple committed to each other. Your interpretation was the one I tried to project. I am also thrilled that you are enjoying the stories. Thanks as always for your great support;
Great! thank you for your thoughts and deeds have made available to us.
I am so glad that the work is helpful for you Stefan. It is my pleasure to see you come here and comment.
Thank you my lady for this really nice comment!
This is great June, I’m really enjoying your story and the painting of the Douglas’s hands is amazing. I can’t wait to hear more and see more of your lovely work.
Maggie, I look forward to your approval every time I write a story. You inspire me with your ability to write and get your message across. thank you so much!
I enjoyed the story as well. The painting is amazing. Such great detail. Just beautiful!
Thank you Patricia. I am so grateful for your compliments and your taking the time to come here. Your opinion means a lot to me.
loved the real image of the nature and character painted by you through the hands..the sketch in itself tells a story of the lives. and loved to hear your own as well!
Soumyav, So glad that the painting and the story spoke to you. Your poetry certainly has great meaning for me and everyone else. Thank you so much for your compliments!
Excellent work, her hand is so delicate.
Can you please share your technique for this painting ?
Sure, The idea came from my visit with them where I got a feeling about their personalities and their relationship and I also had about 100 photos to tack up on a board. I sit down at periods for sometimes days looking at the photos and finally come up with a way to express my feelings visually. The male hand was made strong yet caring. The dark pants in the background was used to project the strength of his hand and also the contrast with hers. The whitetish clothing on her signifies a pure gentle soul and her firm yet delicate grip the strength also in her. In other words the pairing of two individual personalities that meld together beautifully. If you have more questions just give me a shout. And you have a wonderful day!
HI June! have nominated you for the silver quill award.kindly have a look on the same in my post.
I am thrilled with this nomination. Thank you so much Soumyav; its great to know that you enjoy my blog that much as I certainly do yours
You are such a sweetheart for nominating me for this award! Thank you so much.
I must tell you though that I have received many of these awards and I am so grateful for all of them but I have a problem with choosing from among all of the great bloggers and friends. I just cannot make a list that does not leave many of them out. But I am working on finding a good way to thank them and by all means you!
very nice thought of yours June! welcome with all your ways!
A very beautiful peace of Art… thnx for sharing… Beautiful!!!!! Agnès
Thank you for taking the time to come here and leave such a lovely comment. I appreciate it very much!
Salam beuatiful lady . I nominated you for the silver quill blog award ,I would be sO happy if you accept it =)
Such detail in the artwork of your drawing of their hands. His looks strong and protective the way he is holding hers. I used to watch that TV show. I am also looking forward to reading continued eight. You have many talents, cousin, and I am continually amazed by you.
Wow, Compliments from a family member always mean so much to me. Thank you Sharon for understand the painting and coming here to say such great things. It inspires me! Hugs
touching and romantic =)
So glad that you think so my friend.
They walked together
Hold my hand tight
Never let go of my heart
So when I fall you can shield
my tender love
Hold me tight
till time will feel ashamed to set us apart
arabian roses 🙂 I hope you like it =)
like it?? I LOVE it! You are just an awesome poet and I am honored that my work stimulates such beautiful words!
That’s a great painting you make up there! Well done! 🙂
Subhan Zein
And you make great poetry Subhan always well done! Thank you
Wow! 🙂