Growing up, I spent a lot of time playing in my grandma's backyard. It was the most incredible and magical yard to explore in, surrounded by what must have been a dozen maple trees with other miscellaneous flowers and bushes tucked in here and there.
The steps leading down off the enclosed back porch met a row of old grey cement slabs nestled down in the ground just a few inches apart. These paved the way to my grandpa's tattered white wooden shed which was tucked in the corner of the yard to the left. Grandpa died when I was very little, so playing around the shed where he carved my first baby doll bed meant so much to me. I felt close to him there.
Grandma's backyard holds some of the happiest memories in my life. In fact, I remember countless times where I pretended to fall asleep on their old black leather couch in hopes of my parents leaving me to stay the night. Grandma and grandpa's house was a safe haven for me and I never wanted to leave.
The illustration above is me as a little girl in my favorite red dress, playing in grandma's backyard.
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Absolutely love this, Alexandra. I love how you've captured "her" with arms stretched out as if flying, "free," as it were. Your loose watercolur sky and grassy knoll sets it alive and the vibrancy of the heart red flowers spotted along with the cheery yellow really add to it too and perfectly tel your story above1. Truly wonderful! :D
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful memory to draw inspiration from. I remember playing in my grandmother's ranch vividly as well, but haven't drawn from it for inspiration. Based on your whimsical and wondrous illustration, I probably should.
ReplyDeleteyour sketch is so sweet and holding such wonderful memories for you!
ReplyDeleteLove to see memory sketches and yours is so precious.... I am loving all the new ones and the new doors opening for you! have a great new week!!!
ReplyDeleteLove how you as come up with such lovely sketches based on your chilhood:-) The little girl looks so adorable.
ReplyDeletethat is so lovely,, what wonderful memories and such a beautiful painting,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories and you brought them to life through your painting. And you had a dog :)
ReplyDeleteI really, really love your watercolor sky, looks so real and it is the perfect background for the colorful young you.
I love this illustration, Alexandra! What beautiful memories you have of visiting your Grandma's house. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely drawing - love it. Your illustrations are beautiful :) Happy SS
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written and illustrated my friend...so heart-warming and magical!! You have stirred my heart up with my own childhood enchantment of my Grandparents too, some of my best and most sacred memories...thank you!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous art, she is free and full of spirit..powerful!
Happy SS
Victoria
You have so many happy memories that you are putting into your precious artwork. It is a shame mine are so minuscule, but I have just decided to make them up and let that old inner child play and have a wonderful time. I have gone back to checking the old FB each day to see what you might have posted. Got program working. Again, thank you so much. Hope you have a wonderful week. genie
ReplyDeleteSo adorable ~ love the illustration of the sweet little girl and her doggie ~ fond memories of grandmother's yard ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Week to you ~ ^_^
Lovely sketch Alexandra. Captures that feeling of the utter freedom of childhood summer days.
ReplyDeletelove your little girl and her sweet pup!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful illustration and sweet memory. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeletesuch a charming and happy piece!
ReplyDeletevery happy looking sketch and wonderful memories to go with it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Alexandra. While I often dwell in childhood memories more than present tense when creating, it is always so lovely to hear someone else's cherished memories of childhood as well.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparent's house was much like yours. And my mother and I lived there for some of my most important years (11-19) but there was no phrase that could describe it better than "safe haven". No matter what the outside world was handing me in school, or with bullies or friends, that was the place I could return each day and lose myself in imagination and wonder. . . in safety. . . and in the comforting cloak of their unconditional love. The large yard lined with blue Spruce, the mystic woods across the street, the garden and the bird feeders. The countless hours spent lost in my own imaginary worlds in that wonderful place. . .
I've said many times that I would gladly give up a year of my life for the chance to live one more day back in that time and place again. I wouldn't even hesitate.
You captured the "why" of that wish perfectly. : )
Beautiful memories, beautiful drawing! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou've opened the floodgates to some wonderful memories of mine Alexandra. I was unbelievably close to my Grandma and I stayed at her house hundreds of times. They were very special times in my youth. I think she gently moulded me into who I am today.
ReplyDeleteYour illustration is wonderful and conjures up wonderful times.
Thank you for sharing and hosting the link xx