This week would have been my Aunt Kay’s birthday so it was kind of hard for me since she passed away last year (she lived with me growing up and was sort of like my second mom). She was such a happy and colorful person, and she loved to paint and draw, in fact it was her minor in college. So I decided to do a little watercolor painting with Clara in her honor.
I know every mother probably thinks this, but my kid is an artist. Somebody get this girl a beret.
The watercolor set came from Target (it was a total impulse buy when I saw it on an end cap – I just loved all of the happy and bright colors). Here’s one of the simple boxy paintings that I did, mostly while marveling at Clara’s creations.
Here’s my absolute favorite painting that Clara did. Aren’t the colors gorgeous? I’m her biggest fan.
She also did this one on a smaller piece of watercolor paper that I gave her. She painted it sideways, but when we stood it up we thought it looked like a pink sunset reflecting on the water. See it?
This little Clara creation made me smile when I noticed that the small dot of red looked like a heart. I know it’s probably just a happy accident, but I like to think that she was feeling the love while we painted and I told her stories about her Great Aunt Kay.
Here’s a close up of the boxy little painting I made, which was inspired by this shirt that I saw on Instagram. I just made a few messy boxes in any colors that caught my eye and then cropped it like this.
I thought it might be fun to hang two of those together, so this could be a second print to hang next to it.
I can’t decide if I’d like them better vertically though. We’ll have to see which way they end up if I ever get them onto the walls around here.
And here’s my last one, which is sort of like Clara’s first painting, except not as cool. Here’s the headline: Three year old trumps mom in paint-off. Mom couldn’t be more thrilled.
I made all of the paintings above available for download. So if you click any of the images, it’ll open a larger version of them (they’re all 8 x 10″ printables) that you can download by right clicking or dragging them off your screen onto your desktop (depending on your computer). I know it’s not much, but during a tough week, they made me smile, so I wanted to share them. I also want to start an annual tradition of donating to the MS Society in my Aunt Kay’s memory, so feel free to click that link if you’d like to join me.
I don’t know if you guys know this, but on Benjamin Moore Color Chats, they used a photo of your old hallway, mis-credited it to another site, and listed the wrong paint colors.
http://colorchats.benjaminmoore.com/2013/07/making-an-entrance-8-ways-to-improve-your-foyers-first-impression/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=724
Looking out for you! xoxo
Thanks for the tip Jessica!
xo
s
Have you guys thought about watermarking your photos? Is there a reason you prefer not to? Just curious! Hate to see your hard work randomly floating around the internet :)
We just have so many photos in our archives already (100,000+!) that it would be really hard to go back through them, and we also prefer the look of them without. I’m sure we could change our tune if we ever have an issue, but for the most part readers are so great about alerting us and so far it has been pretty easy to kindly ask folks to remove things (it’s thankfully not a very frequent issue or anything).
xo,
s
What a touching way to remember your aunt and keep her memory alive for Clara. I know it’s not easy to lose a loved one no matter the time that has passed, so just know I’m sending extra warm, happy thoughts your way!
Also, I would totally pay money for Clara’s paintings! Open that girl up an Etsy shop, sit back, and watch the money roll in. That girl is a treasure! <3
You’re so sweet Megan.
xo
s
Sherry, this is a beautiful tribute to your Aunt… and thank you for bringing attention to MS, the MS Society does a lot of good things for good people. wishing you all the best…
I’m a rare commenter here, but this is such a wonderful tribute. My dad has MS and has been living with it for 30 years, so it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart.
(As a fellow lefty, I think Clara’s going to be the next Great American Artist! :) )
Wahoo! Yay lefties! And lots of love to your dad.
xo
s
Love the watercolors! I need to get some watercolor paper and try my hand at it too!
What a lovely way to remember her.
Sherry, thanks so much for the donation to the MS Society, and for including a link! What an amazing way to remember your aunt. Every bit of research that gets funded brings treatments and possible cures to that many more people… and as one of those people, I am grateful!
I know that a lot of people have a very foggy idea of what MS is. For anyone interested, I have a first-person description here: http://livegrowlove.com/2013/05/29/what-is-ms-anyway/
Clara is so blessed to have you as her mom. Tying stories of your beloved Aunt Kay to something as joyful as painting will build memories of that incredible woman in your incredible girl. xo
Aw thanks so much for the kind words and for sharing your courageous journey Lori! Lots of love coming atcha!
xo
s
I’m so sorry for the loss of your aunt. These paintings are gorgeous, Sherry, and I’m sure she would’ve loved them! I think you’re right – Clara really is an artist. I’ve never seen a child her age paint such beautiful things! Usually it’s all a mosh of mixed up colors that end up turning muddy. I’m in awe of both of your talents. So beautiful.
PS. Kate has that same dress. (Of course.) #twinsies
Love you both. Can’t wait to see you. I have hugs waiting.
Aw thanks so much Dusty. Can’t wait to see you too! I think Clara and I will both run at you at the same time. Get ready to get tackled…
xo
s
Oh man, Sherry. I’m so sorry. I’ll be praying for you this week. Thanks for sharing the beautiful artwork. I can’t imagine a better way to honor your aunt.
This prompted me to do something I have been wanting to do for a long time. There’s this company called The Home T. They have these super fun T-shirts with a silhouette of your home state and the word “home” on them. But the even cooler part is that a portion of the proceeds is donated to MS research. You gotta check them out. Especially being the Jersey girl that you are. So, in honor of your Aunt Kay, I ordered a T-shirt. (That sounds funny.)
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks so much Autumn Beach! That’s so cool!
xo
s
Thank you so much for this info! I’m going to order one!
Wahoo!
xo
s
That’s awesome, Lori! You’re welcome, ladies! :)
I love these paintings, Clara has an eye for color!! Your box print is great, all that wonderful color all together.
The yellow and pink one I immediately recognized as a lady in pink with a shock of yellow hair, but also like a yellow rose too… very neat painting any way you look at it. :)
Such a sweet moment. I really enjoy when you share something personal on here. Clara is a great little artist! To me, the one you think looks like a sunset looks kind of the back of a little girl dancing in the wind or something…like her hair is blowing to the sides and her arm is up? That’s the fun thing about abstract…it can be whatever you want it to be!
I did some watercoloring for my daughter’s nursery…it’s one of my favorite mediums. http://www.themakerista.com/2013/07/millys-nursery_15.html Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful room! The colors are awesome, and the plates hung over the window with those curtains = amazing!
xo
s
What a lovely post. Clara is such a cutie!
Sherry, I’m so sorry for your loss. I think we sometimes forget to celebrate the importance of extended family in the US (culturally, we’re very focused on the nuclear family). KIds don’t seem to be in the cards for me, but I am an Aunt. Sometimes I feel like a weirdo for taking that role so seriously, or like I’m not very relevant in the broader cultural narrative (because I’m not a mom, “just” an Aunt). Stories like this help me remember how important all family members can be, and to keep on fiercely loving my nephew. Peace to you and your family during this difficult time.
Aw thanks so much Jen. Aunts are awesome. I’m sure your nieces/nephews are SO thankful to have you.
xo
s
I have to comment to say that the picture Clara painted with the heart in it.. it looks like an angel!! The grey being an angel wing… the blue being a dress… and the top part an angels head. Maybe I am the only one who sees it, but I had to share!!
<3 Julie
So sweet!
xo
s
Wow! I know every mama is proud of their kiddo, but as soon as I saw the first photo with the bird’s eye view of the table, I thought, “oh my stars, Miss Clara can PAINT!” Each one is really stunningly lovely! I love that you guys are helping her blossom in her creativity (my mom was an art education major and painted with me as a kiddo too!). So glad you got to have some sweet time with your girl and celebrate your Aunt Kay in this special way- I’m sure she was smiling at ALL the beautiful things you’ve created! :)
So many amazing memories being shared here…I’m in tears reading about them :)
In Clara’s painting with the red dot/heart, it looks like an angel. The blue dress, silver wings, wispy hair…
Just had to comment on it. I can’t wait until my daughter is out of that “put-everything-in-your-mouth” stage so we can paint together!
i love, it’s pretty
The watercolor paintings are beautiful. Your aunt would have been proud. I’m so sorry for your loss. My abuela (grandma in spanish) passed away over 20 yrs ago and I still miss her and think of her often. Keeping you in my prayers. Have a blessed week.
What a heartfelt and tender post. Thank you, Sherry. I can’t donate to the US MS Society but have made a contribution to the Australian one. I’ve also set Clara’s gorgeous artwork as my desktop background!
Thanks so much Nicole, that’s so sweet of you!
xo
s
What a beautiful and touching tribute to your Aunt- the stories and memories you share with Clara will keep her love with you always!
Love these! Awesome :)
Such a sweet tribute to your aunt. I’ve spent the last year finding ways to honor my late mother and as we come up on the anniversary of her death I feel so much more at peace. I’ve printed one of Clara’s creations to hang in our foyer. Always been a fan of abstract art. :)
*Hugs*
Aw, I’m so glad!
xo
s
Yeah I totally saw Clara throwing up a peace sign in her second painting. You should probably make her do the pose in real life – I’m thinking instagram might explode from the cuteness if you do.
Haha!
xo
s
Love the art and picturing the two of you sitting there painting and talking. What a great way to remember your aunt and share that history with your daughter.
That one on one time is so important.
Sherry,
I have been reading your blog for years but have never commented before today. My heart goes out to you in your grief and missing your aunt. She must have been so special to you, and you to her. We always wish for more time with those extra special people.
Take care.
Thanks Kelli, you’re so sweet.
xo
s
She’s such a natural artist!
Great art. I frame many of my daughter’s paintings.
I like the idea of donating. My brother passed away 2 years ago and my parents donate every year in his memory. They did the Jimmy V Foundation but this year they donated to a local girl with cancer to help cover travel expenses.
I’m so sorry for your loss Megan. I love that tradition and the Jimmy V Foundation sounds awesome!
xo
s
What a wonderful way to remember, talk about, and honor your aunt. When she passed away, I probably commented with some of this, but my mother was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago (more than half her life ago!). I will walk my 10th MS Challenge Walk in September – 500 miles logged (nevermind the training).
I get one or two t-shirts every year, and rarely wear them, so last year I made a quilt with the first 8 years of finish-line t-shirts: http://jenski97.blogspot.com/2012/05/t-shirt-quilt-part-4-ta-da.html
I have my Mom’s t-shirts, which are all orange/red/yellow for participants with MS, so I have to get crackin’ on that one.
I will add your aunt to those I think of when I cross the finish line this year!
That’s so cool Jen! What a creative way to use those shirts!
xo
s
This is such a nice way to remember your aunt. I wanted to let you know about another MS foundation that I’ve been proud to support since it was started in 2004. The Myelin Repair Foundation is doing some amazing work to support the discovery of new therapies and technology.
http://www.myelinrepair.org
Just thought you’d like to check it out!
Thanks so much Gretchen! Off to check it out!
xo
s
What a lovely tribute! You do have a very talented daughter. If you want to try something fun and not messy. Get a set of watercolor pencils and watercolor paper. It is so fun!!! You get to color with the pencils and then use a brush to paint and blend. Keep going Clara!!
Sounds like fun!
xo
s
Thanks for sharing this moment of you and Clara and the meaning behind it. I think mommy and Clara are both great artists. You could get matching berets! :)
Hugs and best wishes today. I know how hard those milestones can be. My little brother passed away last year and I know it helped me this year to do something beautiful and quiet in honor of him on his birthday. Hang in there.
Someone who had also experienced loss told me shortly after Cody died that “right now it feels like an empty hole and it feels like that hole in your heart will never be filled again, but someday, the memories will make you so happy and it will be like that hole where so much grief and emptiness was, it will be filled with flowers.” It helped me then and it has helped me since then. Seeing your art and hearing about your time spent with Clara telling stories about your Aunt Kay, it sounds like you’re on your way to a garden, too.
That’s so sweet Ashley. Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m so sorry for your loss.
xo
s
such a sweet project, Sherry, and a wonderful way to remember your Aunt.
ooh! we did watercolors this week, too! it’s funny to see the difference between what a little girl does and what my twin boys did. check it:
http://shootingallens.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/watercolor/
not bad for first-timers, right?
So awesome! I love it all!
xo
s
What a lovely way to remember your Aunt. I just recently lost mine too and have been thinking of her often. Mine really loved color, so a little painting would be a great way to honor her. Thanks for the idea. Love both of your paintings. They will look great in your new home.
My dad has had MS for (going on) 25 years. Glad to see fellow supporters of the MS Society! We made a donation in lieu of wedding favors when I married my husband.
Thanks also for the downloadable prints and sharing the love! You’re a great mom, and a talented painter. :)
Aw thanks Morgan. All the best to your dad!
xo
s
Such a great post! I made the boxes pictures my desktop backdrops and I may be the happiest person in any office, anywhere, as a result :) Thanks for sharing!
So glad.
xo
s
What a beautiful way to pay tribute your aunt. And thank you so much for making the prints available for download! That’s so nice of you. I don’t think I could come even close to replicated the awesomeness of Clara’s paintings!
The last one is totally a teal fishy swimming in the pink coral in the ocean!
Love that.
xo
s
What a beautiful way to celebrate Aunt Kay’s life – making art and sharing memories with Clara. I can tell how special Aunt Kay was to you – she has a colorful spirit.
love the idea of making them printable! Thanks!
I just read your beautiful post dedicated to your Aunt Kay, what a sweet way to honor this wonderful person. I clicked over to read the link from last year that you posted,and as I read it was fun to see how the pictures showed just how much Clara looks like your beloved Aunt. So sweet.
Oh yes, there’s totally a resemblance!
xo
s
I made them my desktop wall paper! They really brightened up my school computer, thanks so much!! :)
So glad.
xo
s
What a sweet way to honor your aunt! I love all of those paintings. I have a soft spot for watercolor and your boxy piece is awesome. You should definitely hang that up somewhere.
I really like the idea of spending the day doing something positive to honor a lost loved one. I lost my brother several years ago and his birthday is coming up soon. I think I’m going to spend the day doing a little something fun in his honor :)
So sorry for your loss Jennifer. Lots of love to you and have fun with your day of something positive!
xo
s
Thank you for sharing your lovely paintings with us Sherry. I lost my father to cancer about 4 years ago, and just recently while digging through old pictures at my mom’s house, I found a black and white pencil drawing someone did of him some 30 years ago, before I was even born. I didn’t even know it existed – what a special surprise! I just framed it for a console table in my living room, and your box painting adds the perfect splash of color framed and leaning next to it. Thanks for sharing your talent with everyone!
That’s amazing! I’m so glad you found that!
xo
s
paint the black cord white or the same color as the wall.
I lost my mother to MS last year within weeks of your aunt’s passing. Her birthday was last month and we also donated to the MS Society in her honor. My daughter and I worked on puzzles that day because my mom loved them.
I have her rocking chair, the one she used to rock me in when I was a baby. Your project with Clara’s high chair was my inspiration to paint it turquoise (my mom’s favorite color). The happy color lifts me and keeps it from feeling like her empty chair. In the days before she passed I painted it and showed her pictures of it. She loved it. I told her when I needed a hug from my mom I would sit in it.
Thank you for sharing your life and DIY in your blog. When I see these kinds of posts I send prayers for you and your family.
Oh Michelle, that’s so sweet. I’m so sorry for your loss.
xo,
s
That last painting makes me think of a fish swimming in a tropical paradise. Love it!
my mom has MS, so i know how craptastic the disease truly is. she currently walks with a walker and uses a wheelchair on occasion. thanks for sharing about your aunt kay – makes me feel closer to you because we have something in common!
I’m so sorry about your mom’s MS Kelsey. Hope she feels great!
xo
s
The sunset painting actually looks like clara. The yellow is her hair (from behind) and it looks like she is reaching out towards something. Love it!