©Kathleen RietzI finally got around to adding color to this sketch I had made during the 21 Day Challenge (scroll down the main page to see my sketch). Many people forget about our soldiers serving in the Middle East and all over the rest of the world. But for little kids who have to endure another summer without their parent, they have not forgotten. This little girl is watching summer fireworks outside her bedroom window and missing her dad. The baseball under her bed symbolizes a time when he was home to play ball with her. Her little kitty keeps her company for times when she needs someone to listen. And the photo on her wall was taken on the day her father was preparing to deploy. She remembers her father telling her to be brave and that he would be home soon. She manages a smile in the photo. But now it has been 18 months.
Wonderful illustration and thought
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image Kate, I love the atmosphere. I hope you are having a lovely summer.
ReplyDeleteHow touching. Because I know some of these children this illustration means even more. It is beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling. I lost my dad when I was three, not because of the war, but because of the emphysema he got for smoking too much.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I remember him or if my memories of him are just dreams I had. I do remember, though, this kind of moments: looking at the sky and wondering when would I be able of seeing him again :)
It's a perfect image, Kat... unique and touching.
Hugs,
Pati
wonderful Kate, and so touching.....
ReplyDeleteHi Kate...what a wonderful piece...and the sentiment is so true....your work is always so touching and hs so much meaning...I am so thrilled to know you and to be able to enjoy each and every piece...
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful day...
This weekend was one of the hottest ever...but now it is raining and there is a huge thunderstorm coming...I am grateful that everything will get watered...
hugs
Diana
beautiful with color as well!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful, quiet and wonderful illustration!
ReplyDeletesoft and loving!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Kate! What a wonderful illustration and a wonderful story to go with it. Sounds like a book dummy to me!
ReplyDeleteOh Kate, I loved this one as a sketch but it's even more beautiful now! Wonderfully done. x
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful post and beautiful beautiful illustration, love the layers of the colors so much.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully illustrated and a really touching explanation.
ReplyDeleteGreat illustration. Well done!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful in color too Kate. I love the warm yellow light on the pillow :o)
ReplyDeleteIt's thoughtful and lovely.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors Kate.
This is outstanding.
ReplyDeleteOh so sweet and lovely.
ReplyDeleteWow. Heartbreakingly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI was reading an article the other day that said many of our soldiers are commiting suicide in record numbers. The problem is when they signed up to go to Iraq, they were told they'd be deployed for a certain length of time. Many of them found themselves being shipped back in spite of what they were promised, and sadly it was too much for some. It breaks my heart.
Thanks Studio Lolo....yes, it's true. I actually know soldiers who thought they were coming home. They arrived at the airports with their families waiting for them, only to be given orders from the government and put on other planes back to the Middle East.
ReplyDeleteI also know a mother who was deployed. She thought she was leaving for 6 months, and was gone for 18. I felt so sad for her 3 year old daughter. This is very hard on kids.
This is such a powerful post. I thought the sketch was really beautiful but with the colors, it not only adds interest, but lots of drama too. The light of the fireworks against her pillow and kitty are especially effective. I am finding that there are a lot of families struggling to remain hopeful that their loved ones will return home safely. I'm so glad you honor the soldiers and their families with such a beautiful drawing.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful. God bless that child, and all children like her.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for children like her. It's a lovely illo with a lot of love in it.
ReplyDeleteExcellent illustration, Kate. Meaningful, thoughtful . . . . You are talented. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewonderful piece Kathleen. Very touching and emotional. I love it, it is a gorgeous illustration, great work
ReplyDeletea GORGEOUS piece. love the palette...
ReplyDeleteperfect for the emotional content. :))
Kate - this is so touching! The colors are very beautiful and the cat is so perfect... just lovely.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, kate! the color is beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteteri
Oh, wow! What a powerful illustration! This is beautiful, and I have to say, almost made me cry!
ReplyDeletejust beautiful Kathleen....your work is always a pleasure to look at...best wishes Lisa
ReplyDeleteVery sweet ... Funny, that could have been me years ago. Love the kitty!!
ReplyDeleteLovely smooches,
The Tart
; *
Beautiful work Kate!!
ReplyDeleteKate, I just found your blog via your website via jcaroline's. . . As soon as I saw this picture I burst into tears! My children spent their fourth of July watching fireworks without while their dad was in the middle east (ok, really, they screamed "turn it off, go home," through the fireworks, but that's another story). It is just beautiful! THANK YOU for remembering the children of soldiers!
ReplyDelete