This is how the painting of the odd oval job progressed, with mind changing throughout as it came into being.
There was a sign of this label along Freeway 5 in Norwalk, a landmark to watch for as kids on a car trip to Southern California. Our name was (and still is) Marshburn, and my parents said that this is “the other side of the family”.
In college, I had the pleasure of meeting some of those “other siders”, my third cousins. One of them got in touch with me a few years ago, so I had his contact information. He graciously put me in touch with his dad, who sent me the more usable version of the label. In the process, we got to visit via email, and I learned that contrary to the information I received while growing up, my family actually was “the other side”!
All of this happened because my first cousin’s wife commissioned this painting as a gift for their anniversary.
Congratulations, Bruce and Shellie, on your many years of marriage! (and thank you for the privilege of painting this for you.)
The painting was a hit, and Bruce gave permission to show this picture.
6 Comments
Jana, your work graces 3 of our walls. This is the latest your works added to our gallery. We love it!
Aw shuck, Shellie – thank you so much! I love you two! (regardless of your art purchases)
What a wonderful tale of extended family connections: and of the fun and joy of connecting!
Louise, this was fun for many reasons, and also challenging (oval?? from little cartoon into an oil painting??)
Nice job! I bet they were thrilled!
I might contact you about doing our family crest. How are you at medieval shields with lions and stuff??
I’ll email you, Sharon.
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