Gone But Not Forgotten

Gone But Not Forgotten, 20x16, Acrylic $550

I just finished my second painting in my Joplin Tornado series. (slightly delayed due to last years health issues!)  The EF5 tornado occurred on May 22, 2011.  I took the photo references for this scene about 7 weeks post tornado, when I was back in Joplin to visit and help family.  I was standing across the street from where my grandparents house had stood (25th and Empire ) - only scraped dirt and rubble left by this time, as it was completely destroyed by the tornado.  I was facing the remains of St John's Hospital, which was twisted 4" on its axis.   I will be having prints made of this.  I have come to realize that in times of tragedy, nature or man-made, we humans are very much alike.  We help one another.  And here in the US, one of the first things we see is our flag, raised above the rubble, as a beacon for all to see and know that our spirit is undaunted and that together we will rebuild and move forward.

In Momma's Tub

In Momma's Tub, 16x20, Oil, $550
I had fun painting this.  It is currently on view at WICA in Langley, WA,
and then will be at Artworks Gallery, GreenbankFarm

"SUNBREAK", 22x30, Acrylic on canvas board,  $750

WILDFIRE

Watercolor - 16x20 Framed
This tulip was a beauty - I painted it to remind me that Spring is coming!

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Watercolor  14x11
These fawns were great fun to watch all thru the spring and summer.  

Rapture

Sole Salvation

Sole Salvation

Acrylic Collage using Joplin Tornado debris

On May 22, 2011, a monstrous EF5 Tornado hit my hometown Joplin, Missouri.  Many Joplin residents who lost their homes that day miraculously survived the damage.  Among the survivors was a former classmate of mine, known to her friends for her passion and large collection of shoes.  She had so many that she kept them in a separate closet, neatly stored and accessible.  As the tornado sirens sounded, she took refuge in an interior closet – her shoe closet.  When the tornado passed, her neighbors dug her out from beneath storm debris and found her alive and unhurt.  Her beloved shoes and shoeboxes had fallen on top and all around her, sheltering and protecting her from glass and house debris.  Her shoes saved her life!     Gaylen Whiteman (Gay Wilder)