Smokies Sunset (for Lavinia)

In 2018, my grandmother asked me to make her a painting of the Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, since she’s my grandmother, I wanted to make her one as a gift, but she insisted on commissioning me, which was really sweet of her to do.

Smokies Sunset (for Lavinia) 2019 acrylic on panel 16x20”

We talked about what view she’d like, and she asked for “A view.” I’m sure she asked me for a painting of the Smokies because I live near them, but also because it’s where she and my grandfather went on their honeymoon. They also went there on family trips when my mom was young.

This is the second Smokies painting I’ve made, the first of the stream along Middle Prong Trail, based on a photo my dad took. I now plan to make one of these Smokies paintings a year, to honor this heavenly place that I visit so frequently.

The ground came pretty easily, but I painted the sky, what felt like, 100 times. My grandmother is a tough critic. She’s made it known, she does NOT like my artwork inspired by fashion. She’s also dismissed the folksy wooden cut-outs I make, that ironically, are very inspired by her and my grandfather and their old farmhouse, their deep Southerness. To each their own. I, too, have very strong opinions.

I believe in the end she liked it. I was so grateful to give this to her at this time in her life. She paid me against my will and said there’d be another installment. Thankfully she forgot about that unnecessary offer. It feels tacky to take any money from your Grandmother, but at the same time, it feels like her way of dignifying me for the work I do, and I respectfully accept that sentiment.

In moments like these, I am reminded of where my stubborness comes from.

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I’ve made this painting available in prints and in postcard form. Go to bethmeadows.com/prints and use the coupon code JAN20 until midnight on Jan 31 to get 25% off.