It is with great sadness that I write this post, one of my painting students passed away last week.
About twelve years ago, I received a call from a woman who wanted to come to my watercolor/acrylic painting class and paint with oils. I said no. I explained that I hadn’t used oil paints since high school and wouldn’t be able to help her. She came anyway! And boy am I glad she did! If she’d listened to me I would have missed meeting a generous, thoughtful, sensitive woman, who spoke her mind without apology.
Classes come and go, and I was no longer teaching adults when I got another call. Could I come and work with a small group in her home studio? Of course I said yes, and three years ago I began what her son called “Tuesdays with Laurie.” Laurie referred to the group as the “Golden Girls,” three unforgettable women, all with different painting styles, and all dedicated to supporting each others efforts.
Laurie painted places she had visited and cared about; pictures with meaning and memories. She appeared to have no angst or fear about starting a new painting and worked to make each canvas the best it could be, even reworking paintings she had done in the past to get them just right. She was always on the look out for inspiration and loved the look of laundry hanging on a line.
When you work with people over a period of time you get to know them; where they grew up, the places they’ve lived, the people they love, and how they feel about life. I’m lucky to have gotten to know Laurie. She was irrepressible. I will always remember her joy, laughter, and curiosity. Laurie Chamberlain, you will be missed and I will remember all you taught me!
I’m sorry for your loss, Pam. This is a beautiful and very thoughtful tribute to Ms. Laurie.
Take care,
Elisabeth
Thank you Elisabeth! Hope you and your family are doing well!
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman. I know that you and Laurie had developed a special friendship from those Tuesday mornings sessions.
Thanks Lori. Teaching goes both ways. I was lucky to have such a special student.
Thanks for this, Pam. We will have two laundry lines at her reception today, one with pictures of some of her paintings and one with pictures of some of her cake designs. Hope you can be there. And there will be one more Tuesday with Laurie, if you ladies are up for it. Ross will cook you lunch, and we can say goodbye properly. She loved you so much.
Thatcher, Laurie was so proud of you! What a wonderful idea to have the laundry lines at the reception. I wouldn’t miss saying goodbye. It will be very special to have one more Tuesday with Laurie!
Laurie loved those Tuesday Painting Sessions. Thanks to the Golden Girls and you!
Ross it was my pleasure! Laurie is unforgettable!
Well said, she was an awesome woman. I’m going to miss her so much.
You’re right Audrey, she was awesome.
What a wonderful weekly gathering you had. I so enjoy the privilege of knowing an artist over a long stretch of time, getting to see how the same themes and ideas emerge in new and different ways.
Nice tribute for a wonderful lady.
Thank you Kate!