MaryClara with Emma & Scout #1

MaryClara & Scout #1, originally uploaded by debifitz.

19"X27"pastel on PastelMat

http://www.djfitzgerald.com
http://www.facebook.com/D.J.Fitzgerald.Art

This was just meant to be.... The story behind the commission is a sad one... but one of life going on. One of my favorite clients and friend owned Scout. I did a portrait of her and Scout about 13 years ago. It was the first of many portraits I was to do for her and other members of her family. 10 years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time she was given 6 months... she took 10 years. About a year ago she contacted me about coming to N.C., to photograph Scout with her dear childhood friend MaryClara. MaryClara was having a tough time after the loss of her parents and dealing with siblings.... Scout became her therapy! Scout had retired from the show ring years ago with EPM... but was still a joy to ride. And even though she had many other horses over the years, Margaret could not part with him. She wanted me to come as quickly as I could because Scout was 21 and she did not know how long he would be around. She thought MaryClara and Scout made such a good match and wanted me to capture that in my pastels. I made the trip last March to take the photos (on MaryClara's birthday!).... I had the feeling that that would be the last time I would get to see Margaret. She passed in May. Margaret gave the care of Scout to MaryClara... he is 22 now and looks great! MaryClara's other friend is Emma. And she requested that I put the saddle and boots in the portrait because they were a precious gift from her father. The gorgeous sweater was a gift from Margaret. Lots of symbolism in this one... and I really feel like Margaret was watching me work! And in a way MaryClara inherited me as a friend too! I feel like I have known her for years!