Designing with Genoveva

Aida contacted me to commission a portrait of this beautiful wedding picture taken with her mother, Genoveva.

Aida shared that her mother passed away a year ago and that she was still mourning her. Genoveva had lived with Aida for 10 years before she passed away and it was still hard every time she saw her room. I could only imagine how difficult that was and really prayed that I could create a very special piece for her.

I told Aida that I was so sorry for her loss and how it took quite some time before I could stop mourning and finally feel my mom's presence in a warm and comforting way. She encouraged me in my art after she passed; I could feel her love surrounding me. I prayed that Aida would get to that place soon, when all of the hurt was gone and her heart was healed.

I did have a few questions about the portrait, and asked if I could crop the picture at the waist and whether she wanted that to be her wedding photo or if I could remove the flowers and possibly change the color/pattern of her dress. I wasn't sure if the wedding was the theme or if she just wanted a portrait of them together.

"You can crop the picture at the waist and remove the flowers from my hair," she said. "However, I would like to retain the flowers (hand) because this was my church wedding and my mom whispered in my ear some beautiful words that day. The flowers will remind me of that moment. You can change the color/pattern of my dress if you wish."

Genoveva whispering a message to Aida was such a beautiful image in my mind. I worked on the painting for a few more days and then sent Aida my finished piece. I didn't hear back from her right away, which was unusual, and made me second-guess my work for a moment, but then I received her response.

"I have been in the garden all day. This is beautiful, beautiful and beautiful. I almost cried. Thank you."

Oh, I'm so glad you like it," I responded. "I DID cry! I got so emotional when I was working on your mother's face and eyes. I could feel her love for you pouring out and it filled me with such compassion for you and gratitude that I was able to spend time with her. I was overwhelmed. Quite honestly, I reached out to her several times because I wasn't sure which direction to take with the painting. I asked her to lead me and completely surrendered to her guidance. I know you will feel her when this is in your hands and home. It was truly directed by her love. Thank you so much for this opportunity!"

And then Spirit's hand in this was revealed:

"I am so glad my mom guided you through this experience. I can't wait to receive it. Did you know her room was remodeled completely with fresh paint (one accent wall in blue) and a new bedroom set? I am really glad you changed my dress color to match her new bedroom colors as well."

I was filled with such awe when I read that. I love when I can witness a connection made possible through my art. This is the painting hanging in Genoveva's room. I really love the way the colors match so beautifully!

Thank you so much, Aida, for sharing about your mother's room. You know, she picked the color of your dress, not me. It was her way of reaching out to you. I can't begin to tell you how fully engulfed I was with her love for you. And she was SO full of joy. I've never felt that before while painting and that's why I was brought to tears. I am so grateful to be able to do these portraits because so many times there is a hidden message that doesn't emerge until after I'm done. Not every time, but many times. And every time someone shares with me, I am so thankful for this gift. So, thank you, again!

And thank you, Genoveva, for designing with me. I didn't know you before, but now I feel that I do and that's quite a blessing!

Designing in Spirit,

Virginia