Wednesday, July 21, 2010

JOLIE BLANC


8x10 oil on canvas sold

Before I begin this story, let me explain that this memorial portrait is for a family that lives in SW Louisiana where many people speak French.

Many years ago a puppy was needed for the perfect Christmas surprise for my client's daughter. A visit was made to an older gentleman's home and my client sat with all the puppies trying to make a difficult decision. Can you imagine them climbing on top of her, playing with each other, and giving her sweet puppy kisses, you can only have one, but you want them all! One puppy in particular caught her eye, this puppy stayed close to her mother and was very, very calm. She asked about that puppy, and the gentleman responded, "Oh, that's my Jolie Blanc". He went on to explain that she was the only blonde puppy in the litter full of darker colored puppies. He named her Jolie Blanc, which is french for Beautiful Blonde. She was the perfect Christmas present and her name would remain Jolie, because she was the most beautiful dog this family would ever know.

Jolie remained a very calm dog her entire life, she was easy to train and brought her family years of love and enjoyment. One of Jolie's favorite things to do was fetch the morning paper and deliver it to her Dad each morning while he remained in bed. I don't think I've ever met anyone who keeps a bag of dog treats right beside their bed, but there they were kept and every morning Jolie enjoyed her Beggin' Strip while Dad enjoyed his morning paper.

18 comments:

Linda Popple said...

I love that you share the stories of the dogs you paint. What a sweet dog! You really do such a great job painting these memorials. Jolie's sweet personality comes through in those eyes!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

I sure enjoyed this little story...and the painting is so beautiful!!!

Ann Rogers said...

This is one good looking blond and your soft buttery paint on her coat only adds to her beauty. Great story as well!

martinealison said...

Très belle histoire et très souvent tellement émouvantes les histoires animalières... Belle et généreuse peinture.

Dana Cooper said...

Jolie is beautiful Angela, no one does these dogs better...great story too!

Dana Cooper said...

Jolie is beautiful Angela! No one does dog portraits better...I like the story too

Angela Elledge said...

Thank you ladies, I appreciate your comments. I am having so much trouble showing the correct colors in this painting in particular. If any of you have some wisdom to share in that area, I would greatly appreciate it.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Angela
We stopped by to visit like we always do, and you painting of Jolie
caught our eye and caused us to stop.
This portrait is so beautiful and the story that goes with it.
We stopped to read, and your painting and your words touched our heart.
love
tweedles

Unknown said...

Looks so gentle Angela, great painting.

Autumn Leaves said...

An absolutely beautiful golden retriever! You can so see the love you put into these commissions, Angela. I am so happy you share the stories of these previous fur babies too.

LindaHunt said...

We own Goldens and this painting is especially touching to me. Beaufiful painting. You captured Jolie's temperment and personality perfectly.

Edward Burton said...

A very sweet portrait, Angela. Great job.

L.Holm said...

A beautiful story and beautiful memorial portrait, Angela. You have a real gift for capturing great heart in your paintings.

Gwen Bell said...

What a beautiful story! I could tell at first glace that this was a true lady. She has such a kind, lovable face and those eyes! I know I say this all the time, but your portraits get better and better with each one. You have such a talent for conveying the unique personalities of each do you paint. That can't come from anywhere other than your big heart!

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

I am so touched by your beautiful puppy painting, and by the lovely story that came with it. Her expression tells everything!

carol morgan carmichael said...

So much characterr in the painting. Wonderful tribute. Loved the syory too!

Stephen Parker said...

What a beautiful and mysterious portrait. As indicated in your story, Jolie Blanc has, indeed, such a calm and sensitive demeanor. The subtle cock of her head makes her seem almost human.

Wonderful job on Trooper, as well.

ORGANIZED CONFUSION said...

What a beautiful painting!
you could see the love in Jolie'
eyes
lovely story alsu
Thanks for sharing
Angela