For as far back in my childhood as I can recall, this painting hung in our various homes. I always liked it. It just struck me as a serene place. A place I wanted to go.
When I was a kid, I didn't have the frame of reference, but now it reminds me of Yosemite. A place I've been.
This was painted by Jimmie Lee West Beard, the wife of C.W. "Claud" Beard, my mother's father's sister -- Mom's aunt and my great aunt.
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| Untitled, by Jimmie Lee West Beard (1902-1994) |
I know this dates back to at least the early 1960s or possibly the mid-1950s. Even after I left home, the painting was always part of my parent's home decor, wherever they lived. I always noticed it, and appreciated its beauty and simplicity. It just spoke to me.
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| Jimmie Lee West Beard |
As recently as this year, 2016, it hung in my late mother's living room at Laurel Parc, the assisted living facility in Portland, Oregon where she spent her final years.
I always knew the painting had been done by a family member, but as so often happens, I didn't pay much attention to who it was or what the story behind it was.
But after my mom passed away, I was very happy to be able to bring this painting with its attractive wood frame home and hang it proudly in my own home.
When I took the picture off the wall, I saw that it was framed by C.W. Beard, who owned "Frames by C.W. Beard" on South Adams St in a residential neighborhood south of Fort Worth, Texas where my mom and Grannie Beard lived in North Richland Hills. I never knew he framed it, but that made it even better.
I'm so pleased to now enjoy this piece of family artwork in our home. It is so much more than just a piece of art to me. Aside from the nostalgic value of this "artifact" that's probably older than I am, it's completely unique, and two creative people from my family thoughtfully made it with their own hands. It's part of who I am, and who my family is.
Thanks Aunt Jimmie Lee. I think of you every time I look at your painting.
