Thursday, August 15, 2013

Courtney

I painted this portrait of Courtney a few years back but held on to it until my daughter said it was okay for me to post.  You see,
Courtney and a few other kids were on their way back to College during the icy winter when her car ran off the road and this beautiful young lady died at the scene.  Just recently my daughter gave Courtney's Mom this portrait and she was so appreciative..
and told me that it was beautiful and that she would forever treasure this painting..  I didn't know her, but I still feel so incredibly sad that she had to die so young..

147 comments:

  1. Excellent in every way! Look at the marvelous light in those eyes and in the smile. Truly a treasure for her mom.

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  2. thank you so much MARY!!! I'm so glad you stopped by to comment...

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  3. What a tragic story, such a young woman. It's a beautiful portrait, Hilda. A real treasure for her family.

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    1. thank you JUDY..it was definitely so sad.
      I'm glad you stopped by to comment.

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  4. Es increíble como sin conocerla has podido hacer tan hermoso retrato. Hilda, te felicito por esta obra de arte. Tu corazón te ha empujado a ello y es tan grande, que te ha ayudado para pintarla.
    Un recuerdo imborrable que te agradecerán toda la vida su familia y eso es el mejor premio.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Gracias a Dios mi hija tenia un foto bueno y era facil para copiar. Un momento bien triste para las madre y padre.!!! Muchisimas gracias JOSH por tu visita y comentario. un abrazo.

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  5. Such a sad story Hilda. Without ever knowing her , this portrait has so much personality. The family will be so grateful for this gift!

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    1. Thank you so much CELIA for stopping by. Her Mom was so touched when she saw her daughter's portrait. A very sad time for her Mom and Dad!! I cannot imagine the pain they are going through.

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  6. Un cadeau précieux.
    Ce portrait est merveilleux, Hilda.

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    1. thank you so much OLIVIER!! I appreciate your kind comment! I wish I can take the hurt away!! Only time can do that!

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  7. This is so sad, such a waste of a young life.I am sure your beautiful portrait will give her mother something to lean on,and it will be cherished by her family forever.

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    1. thank you ARTI for stopping by. This is the ultimate nightmare for any parent to go through. I'm glad you liked this portrait of Courtney.

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  8. Oh my goodness, Hilda. Such a tragic story that ended too soon. Courtney is beautiful and I know her family will always treasure this beauty.

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    1. thank you SHERRY for your kind words. When our children leave for College we always pray that they arrive safely..This was unimaginable. I was glad that they loved this portrait. It made me very happy that I captured her beauty.

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    1. Thank you so much VIRGINIA! I'm glad you like this portrait. I'm looking forward to your next work!!

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  10. I'm sure your beautiful portrait must bring so much comfort to Courtney's family.

    Such a tragedy

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    1. I hope so, SUE! thank you so much for your kind words. A terrible tragedy..

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  11. Otro retrato fantástico! además la modelo es guapísima, felicitaciones Hilda! happy wekeend! :)

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, MARI por tu comentario. un abrazo..

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  12. She is so beautiful and sensitive put down beautiful hugs Danielle

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    1. thank you DANIELLE....she was a beautiful girl and so sad that she died so very young!!

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  13. Oh what a sad, sad story - Such a waste of a young life :0(
    I'm not surprised she will treasure the painting - It is so beautiful! What an amazing gift!

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    1. Yes, a very sad story that none of us want to go through...she wrote me such a beautiful letter thanking me and telling me that she will forever treasure this painting...It saddened me so much! but so glad I gave it to her when I did.

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  14. Beautiful work Hilda. Doesn't our Lord work in mysterious ways? It is such a blessing for her family that you were compelled to do a portrait. Tears flowing here. I've said this before, but it bears repeating "you are such a gift to the world...your kindness excels!"

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    1. thank you TRUDY for those beautiful words. You're very kind. I'm glad you like the portrait!

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  15. A bittersweet one, Hilda. A beautiful gift for her mother.

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    1. thank you so much for your visit, CAROL.
      and for your kind words. I appreciate it!

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  16. A tribute to a beautiful human being! What excellent painting Hilda! You did a splendid job of showing her exhuberance and love of life. What is the saying again...
    " The eyes are the mirror of the soul". Her mom must be really touched with your gift. A big hug Hilda and thanks for sharing beauty.

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    1. She was very touched, HELEN!! I guess that's when, as an artist, we feel so good when we can do something nice for someone. hugs...

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  17. What a radiant portrait! How much she had to live still, this is sad! Thank you for preserving that inner joy!

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    1. thank you so much MARIE for stopping by to comment. I'm so glad you like it..
      She looked so beautiful and happy here!

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    2. She did, for sure....little angel!

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  18. I know that Courtney's parents will forever cherish this beautiful, glowing portrait. What a heart felt gift you have given them. Hilda, you are an angel.

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    1. thank you so much SUSAN for stopping by and for your very kind words. I was only happy that I can do "something" for them.
      I cannot imagine what they're going through!!

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  19. Beautiful touching portrait,dear Hilda. Now I know from you that Courtney's smile can continue to live only in the memory. A wonderful portrait has become a sign of love forever.
    I want to believe that every life is to live forever, when I look at such painful circumstances.

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    1. Thank you RITA for stopping by...Yes, when
      they look at their beautiful daughter, I hope they can soon smile again and treasure those memories forever!!

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  20. What a sad story to go with your gorgeous portrait of Courtney! It must have been so hard for her family. I am sure her mother will treasure this.

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    1. thank you so much JOAN. I'm so glad you stopped over to comment on Courtney. She was such a beautiful girl and my heart goes out to her parents since it has to be a continuous nightmare for them.

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  21. Oh, Hilda. I know how the beautiful pastel of my mother that you gave to me touched my own heart, and can only imagine how the mother of this gorgeous young lady will love to have this. You did more than reproduce her image - you have captured her beautiful spirit in this. You are a very special person and artist, Hilda.

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    1. Thank you so much CLAIRE. I'm so happy you stopped by! I cannot imagine how it feels like to lose your daughter but I'm glad I was able to capture her beautiful spirit. thank you again, for your very kind words.

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  22. Hola Hilda: Hermosísimo retrato y que linda obra de obsequiarla a los padres, algo muy emotivo, yo tambien perdí a mi hijo de 19 años en un accidente y se de este gran dolor.
    Felicitaciones y un buen fin de semana. Abrazos.

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    1. Estoy muy triste que tu perdiste tu hijo, MERCEDES!!! Lo siento mucho!!! Una parte de nosotros mueres con ello.!!
      Gracias por tu visita. un abrazo!!

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  23. Hoi Hilde,
    prachtig schilderij heel mooi gedaan.
    fijn weekend groetjes Marja

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    1. thank you so much MARJA for your visit and your generous comment. I appreciate it. Enjoy your weekend.

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  24. Such a beautiful portrait and such a sad story. I'm sure her mom was so grateful to have this remembrance.

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    1. thank you so much NANCY! I'm glad you liked this portrait and she was very grateful which makes me so happy. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

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  25. A beautiful souvenir for the Courtney's mom.
    Furthermore to paint great portraits, you have always behind an interesting and endearing story.

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    1. thank you SO much for your visit, JULIAN.
      Just knowing that Courtney's family liked this portrait makes me very happy. I'm glad you stopped by ..enjoy your weekend.

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  26. What a lovely portrait of a lovely girl. Her mother must love this.

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    1. thank you so much STEPHANIE!! I'm glad to say she does! I'm glad you stopped over....enjoy the rest of this beautiful weekend.

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  27. What a tragedy, Hilda! ... such a lovely young woman.
    The portrait is superb, and I am sure her mother appreciates the beautiful memory of her daughter.
    {this is so difficult to write about]

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    1. It is a tragedy, KATHRYN! She was such a beautiful girl..one moment she's heading back to school and the next moment she's gone. It's so hard to take in!! I'm so glad you like her portrait...

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  28. Un precioso retrato, Hilda, y una historia conmovedora.

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, ANTONIO por tu visita. Lo agradezco. Estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado este retrato.
      un abrazo.

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  29. El retrato transmite la delicadeza y la emoción de la persona que pintaste, me parece una pintura muy bella. Gracias por compartirlo. Es muy hermoso.

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    1. Tu palabras son muy amable, JOSE! Gracias por tu visita..lo agradezco.
      un abrazo!!

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  30. Hilda, what a beautiful painting. I can't imagine the pain this family endured, losing their beautiful young daughter. They will cherish this painting forever. You are so kind and generous to share your talent with them and us.

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    1. Thank you so much, PAT for that very nice comment!!! and I agree, I can't imagine the horror she endures every day. Enjoy the rest of the weekend...

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  31. Such a beautiful young woman and such a tragic story. Your talent has given her family something to cherish forever.

    Ironically, my granddaughter, Courtney, left for college yesterday. I
    pray for her safety everday.

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    1. Thank you so much CAROL for your visit and very nice comment. We always hope and pray that our children and grandchildren gets to their destination safely! We never stop worrying!! Enjoy the rest of the day.

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  32. Querida Hilda,en primer lugar te doy las gracias por seguir mi blog, es un honor para mi. En segundo lugar por tu buen español. Pero sobretodo me encanta tu pintura. Este retrato es magnífico y esta cargado de expresividad y bien hacer
    abrazos

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, AURORA por tu visita y tu comentario muy amable!! Estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado esta pintura.
      Mi espanol no es bueno, pero yo entiendo todos ..pero no puedo escribir muy bien.
      tambien me gusta la practica con todos en el blog. Un abrazo!!!

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  33. That is a beautiful portrait, I am sure her family will always treasure it.

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    1. thank you so much DOUG for such a nice comment...I appreciate you stopping by.

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  34. I am sure this lovely portrait is cherished for ever by her loved ones, come to think of it, the girl's soul would appreciate what you have done for her through your art.

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    1. Such a nice comment PADMAJA and beautiful words. I'm glad you stopped by to comment.

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  35. Hi Hilda! I'm back again!!

    This is such a sad story, but you brought happiness into it with this wonderful portrait that will be treasured.

    I see you are experimenting with oils - I still haven't tried them, but am going to try in the next week or so...should be fun!

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    1. I'm SO happy you're back, JOHN! thank you for such a nice comment. I'm glad you like the portrait and I look forward to your next painting!!!

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  36. Hola Hilda. Entre otros el objetivo de la pintura es hacer eterno todo.Un retrato excelente que perdura.
    Un abrazo desde Barcelona

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    1. Muchisimas gracias BLANCO por tu visita y tu comentario..Estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado este retrato de Courtney!!
      un abrazo!!

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  37. Truly one of the gifts a portrait artist gets is the ability to breathe life into a lost loved one. You always wonder why we must lose the good ones so young. She is a beautiful young woman and I am glad your daughter found the right time to,share with her family. Wonder work here dear Hilda.

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    1. thank you NELVIA for those beautiful words. She was so young and beautiful and we always ask ourselves why?? Yes, the right moment came and she gave her the portrait..the pain will always be there but maybe this portrait will help her smile again!! thank you for stopping by.

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  38. Oh Hilda that is such a poignant post. What you have done is such a lovely gesture too, I'm sure her family will treasure it for ever!

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  39. thank you for stopping by JERRY!! I haven't been able to get into your blog..it doesn't allow me, so hopefully I will find a way!! I'm so glad you like this portrait..Enjoy the rest of the Evening!!!

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  40. Hilda, an absolutely brilliant Portrait my friend. That was a fantastic gesture and present giving it to that dear mother. All the best Hilda.
    Vic.

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    1. thank you VIC for your very generous comment! I really appreciate it.! Enjoy the rest of the day.

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  41. Hilda, you have a heart of GOLD. This is beautiful. So sad.

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    1. thank you so much LISA!!! you're so sweet to say that! It was very sad and I felt like I needed to do something.! I didn't know what else to do!!

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  42. Such a sad story but really lovely portrait, and what a kind gesture.

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  43. I'm so glad you like this portrait, KAREN. Many emotions were felt as I was painting her...seeing her so happy in the reference picture, made me sad.. thank you for that lovely comment!!!

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  44. Well, I guess if ever there is a time to get a perfect likeness..it is in the posthumous portrait. I bet this is right on the money---I've noticed that is your gift--to get a wonderful likeness AND also to infuse the work with a spirit. This is a lovely painting and I am certain the Mom absolutely loves it. :)

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  45. thank you so much CELESTE for your comment!!!
    You're so right...this time I did want to get that perfect likeness to present to her mom and dad...to me it was important...I guess I wanted her mom to look at this painting and say "this is Courtney". I'm glad you like this portrait..Enjoy the rest of the day!!!!

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  46. wow! you'r so talented! thats all I can say...

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    1. thank you MAX!!! I appreciate your kind comment! Glad you stopped by!!!

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  47. thank you very much for stopping by and for your nice comment..I appreciate it!

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    1. thank you SO much MYRA!!! you're so kind!! Enjoy this beautiful day!!!

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  49. She certainly is beautiful, Hilda, and the gift you gave her mom is a chance for her to see her daughter's beauty once again. What a gift of the heart.

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    1. thank you so much CAROL for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment.! You're very kind.

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  50. Hilda,
    The power of art to heal is amazing. Such a sad story but such a wonderful gesture. I can't imagine the sadness but I can certainly understand the overwhelming feeling of comfort to have this fine portrait. Thank you for posting it and telling us the important story behind this great work of art! Bravo to you and prayers to the family!
    Take care and keep on painting and making a huge difference!
    Michael

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    1. thank you so much MICHAEL for stopping by and for your very nice comment! It is a very unfortunate and sad story and my heart goes out to her family as well.
      You made me feel so good..thank you again.

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  51. Hilda,

    How very sad, my heart breaks to hear of any young person loosing their life in such a tragic way. I am sorry for your daughter as well, it must have been such a difficult time for her.
    Hilda, you did a beautiful portrait of this young lady and you have immortalize her. You have a God given talent and you are using it well.
    All the best to you,
    Joan

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    1. thank you JOAN for stopping by!! My heart broke when my daughter told me as well...
      when my daughters hurt..I hurt! so I can't imagine what they are going through!! I appreciate your lovely words!

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  52. This beautiful piece will last forever. Best wishes to you and the family! It is stunning.

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    1. thank you SO much HEATHER! I appreciate your visit and your comment!!

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  53. A lovely painting and truly a gift from the heart! This portrait will indeed be treasured!

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    1. thank you so much ROSEMARY!!!! Your comment is so appreciated!

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  54. Your gift will be treasured I am sure. The ability you have to capture the essence of a person is truly special. I think it comes from within you, Hilda. You care about people and life deeply and in turn it comes through in your art.

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    1. Thank you JULIE!! I appreciate those generous words. I love to paint portraits and glad that I painted this one for Courtney's Mom!!

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  55. Oh my gosh, makes me cry to read this. What a amazing gift, I can just imagine her reaction. It's just beautiful.

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    1. thank you so much BARBARA for stopping by and for your comment. It was truly a sad time for the family and hopefully this will put a little smile in their faces.!

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  56. I was so delighted to see this painting. But my heart just dropped after reading the story.

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    1. thank you PRABAL for stopping by to comment. It's always hard losing someone in the family and worse when you lose your children.

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  57. Dear Hilda:) What a sad story! And what a beuatiful portrait! It must have filled your heart with warmth to know the mother was happy with this portrait!

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    1. I'm so happy you like this portrait, RENATE and yes, when I received her lovely card saying she loved it..well, you can only imagine how I felt! thank you for stopping by.

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  58. Hilda - such a beautiful painting - and such a heartbreaking story. You did such a wonderful thing by painting this lovely young girl. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. thank you so much CONNIE for your wonderful comment. I appreciate you stopping by. I feel so sad for her family..one moment, and your life changes forever.

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  59. It's a beautiful portrait, Hilda. Such a heartbreaking story. I'm sure her mother will treasure the portrait and that you took the time and attention to capture her lovely daughter.

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    1. thank you LORRAINE for your comment!!!
      She did have a lovely daughter and I'm happy to have painted this portrait for this family. I'm glad you liked it.

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  60. Oh my what a sad and heartbreaking story! and what a beautiful portrait. her mother will treasure it, i'm sure. to loose one so young, so incredibly sad. beautiful work hilda, just lovely.

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    1. thank you so much SUZANNE for stopping by and taking the time out to comment. I was very pleased when she told me she loved this portrait. It made me feel so good! Enjoy the rest of the evening.

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  61. She was a beautiful young woman and sad that she died so young. Her mother will love this special gift painted by a special artist.

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    1. thank you so much LINDA for your lovely comment...you're very kind and I appreciate it! Enjoy the rest of the evening

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  62. Hilda, such a beautiful way to remember such a dear person. Her mother will treasure this painting. How very difficult for your daughter, and I can understand that it took a long time for her to allow you to show the painting.

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    1. thank you so much MARY for stopping by and commenting on Courtney. My daughter wanted to make sure that it was the right time to post the portrait.
      glad you like it...enjoy the rest of the day...

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  63. Beautiful portrait and such a sad end to a young life. It is a wonderful gift you gave her Mom, bitter sweet.

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    1. thank you DIANA for stopping by..yes, it is such a shame that her young life is over in a moment!! I feel the same way..it was a nice gift to her mom but definitely bittersweet.. Have a wonderful Evening...

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  64. What an incredibly sad story. I am so happy you were able to make her mother so happy. What a gift. The painting is excellent..what a beautiful girl.She will be thought of by all of us.

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    1. thank you so much PAGE. It really is so sad and I feel for her family! I'm glad you like the portrait.

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  65. Such a beautiful smile, Hilda! A wonderful tribute....God bless her mother.

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    1. thank you so much DEAN for stopping by and for your nice comment! I can't even imagine the loss of a child!!
      My heart goes out to her parents. Enjoy the rest of the day.

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  66. thank you so much ANGELA! I'm glad you stopped by to comment on Courtney!! Enjoy your day!

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  67. stunning work!!! Love the lively, lovely expression you were able to capture so expertly. what a wonderful tribute to a beautiful young life...

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  68. thank you MARIA for stopping by and leaving me such kind words. I appreciate it!!!

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  69. Bonjour,

    Comme prévu, après mes longues semaines éloignées des blogs, me revoici parmi vous ! Vous m'avez beaucoup manqué...
    Je suis heureuse d'ouvrir aujourd'hui la page de votre dernière publication.

    Vos portraits sont toujours si magnifiques ! J'aime le sourire que vous avez extraordinairement bien capturé.
    Une très belle oeuvre, bravo !
    Gros bisous

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  70. Thank you so much MARTINE for stopping by to comment. I appreciate it so much! I look forward to your next painting!! I will be posting soon..as soon as I figure out how to on my new computer! I don't do well with change!! LOL Enjoy this lovely day.

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  71. thank you so much KAREN!! You're very kind!
    Enjoy your day.!

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  72. Te ha quedado excelente amiga, a mi tambien me encanta la técnica de pastel aunque solo soy aficionada y los tonos no los domino del todo.Un placer visitarte.Besitos.

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    1. Muchisimas gracias, CARMEN por un comentario muy amable!
      un abrazo!

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  73. Tus trabajos son excelentes Hilda, el retrato esta muy bien hecho.

    Un fuerte abrazo

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    1. Gracias ROSA por tu visita y tu comentario. Estoy muy contenta que te ha gustado esta pintura..
      Un abrazo!!!!

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  74. Hola: Eres una gran pintora, logras muy bien los retratos.
    Un abrazo,
    Rosa María Milleiro

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    1. Gracias ROSA por tu visita y un comentario muy generoso. Lo agradezco.
      un abrazo

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  75. What a wonderful gift. She was a lovely, lovely girl.

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  76. Thank you so much SHIRLEY! She was such a lovely girl... I appreciate you stopping by to comment!!!

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  77. Thank you SO much LIANA! You're so kind!!
    I appreciate you stopping by!!

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  78. Oh Hilda, I am finally catching up and love all your new work... but this one grabbed my attention even before I read her story. My heart is broken for her mother... what a beautiful and meaningful gift to give her!

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  79. Thank you SO much MINNEMIE for stopping by.
    Even though I never met Courtney, I think of her and her parents and pray for them to have the courage to live on without her. She was a beautiful girl who died too young... I'm very happy that you like this portrait!!

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  80. Beautiful and sad, I'm sure they will treasure this.

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  81. Beautiful and sad, I'm sure they will treasure this.

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  82. thank you DIANE for stopping by and commenting on Courtney. She was so beautiful and so young ..it makes me sad every time I see her picture!

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