Healing Hearts Portrait

"Aaron R." By Hilary J. England, oil on canvas, 12" x 16" 2017

Here is another portrait I just finished for Healing Hearts Thru Art.  I have at least another 10 to complete as of today, so I will be keeping busy with them for the next couple of months, in between commissions and some outdoor painting.  Summer is flying by....

The chickadee and the sunflowers

"The chickadee and the sunflowers" by Hilary J. England

Oil on canvas, 8" x 11" 2017

Since my chuckle patch of sunflowers are in bloom, I have watched the little sparrows and chickadees resting in the branches, so I decided to go find some more similar vistas out a little further, with no townhouses to break up the view.  I was able to find a quick view not too far from home, and actually get done before the monsoon arrived.  I needed to take a break from portraits, both of the living and the ones who have passed, and just paint a happy landscape -- as Ross would say back in the day.

I forgot how much I loved painting them, just in the month or so I have not been out and about.  I can't let time slip by me like that again, no matter how busy, or how good the cause.  It just leaves a hollow, empty feeling inside me, and I didn't know why until I started working on this, and the joy flooded in as I looked around at nature. Just glorious ❤️ 

Janine and Mark

"Janine" by Hilary J. England, oil on canvas, 12" x 16"

"Mark" by Hilary J. England, oil on canvas, 12" x 16"

"Janine and Mark" by Hilary J. England, oil on canvas --each panel 12" x 16"

I finished Janine and Mark's portraits today-- more commemorative portraiture for Healing Hearts Thru Art. Brother and sister, both passed on from illness. I hope the portrait paintings will bring their Mom some comfort.

I have quite a bit of portraiture work these coming weeks, but that's good--I love doing the work, and I know how much this helps the parents when they receive the portraits. And, that-- bringing God's beauty and love through art, is what art is all about-- at least to me anyway ❤️

Korey Harwood

"Korey Harwood-11/10/2017" by Hilary J. England, 12" x 16" oil on canvas

This is the finished portrait of Korey Harwood, another portrait completed for my art outreach ministry, Healing Hearts Thru Art. Korey especially touched my heart. While I was painting him, I felt a most amazing connection to him-- very strong. His eyes kept "talking" to me, quietly and persistently. It's as if he wanted me to be aware of him, and to make sure I absolutely captured his essence, for his Mom. It was a very intense experience.

I have a constant stream of requests through this ministry, and as I read the stories of these people who are now gone, I feel a deep longing for their families. I pray for their comfort and for God's peace for them. I pray the portrait will give them joy, and fond rememberances of their children who departed too soon. The work can be grueling, but it is very rewarding. I thank God for the privilege to be able to serve these parents and families.