“The Dance”

I wanted to take a moment to share the story on how this gorgeous painting came to be.

( painting pictured right)

This painting in particular means the world to me. Not only does it portray my family, but also the beautiful love story in itself. This memorial piece is in tribute to an incredible man named Ray Hudson. Papa Ray was the most spirited, loving, wholesome, warm, faithful, and romantic man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always had this way about him, when he walked into a room, you were just overwhelmed with a sense of security, safety, warmth, and love. Special is an understatement for how Papa Ray could lift your spirits in a second.

I remember he would always swoop you up if you were feeling down and make you dance right there on the spot. Didn't have to have any music playing, he would just sing and make his own. I'll tell ya, the "Happy Birthday" song is a little less happy without his booming "AND MANY MOREEEEE" to finish it off for us. I feel that anyone who got the chance to know Ray, their world seems a little more dim without him. He had such an impact on so many people I felt this project would help me heal in a way.

This original photo was taken at a wedding Ray and Glenda Hudson attended some years ago. I loved everthing about it when I first saw it and knew I wanted to have it as a project one day. It would just make a stunning portrait piece. When we lost Papa, I knew the time was now. As much as I would have loved to have done the piece before he passed away, I knew it would help me with my grief process and hopefully others too.

Nannie Glenda and Papa Ray were such a pair. It didn't matter where they were, you could look over and he would be dancing her away, something they both loved to do. I loved getting to watch them together, a true representation of a strong and full of love marriage.

I wanted to do this project for Nannie mainly because, I wanted her to have some sort of peace when she looked at it. A piece of him still with her, and peace and comfort in her heart seeing the love he had in the photo. My girls and I miss and talk about him everyday, they sure love their Papa. Starting wasn't easy, but once things started going, I was determined to get it done.

The design on Nannie's shirt was a huge challenge in the beginning, this is probably where I had spent most of my time getting that pattern just right.

I was unemployed and in the middle of the pandemic when I started working on this. Since finishing and sharing my work,I was able to pick up several orders, for others wanting a generational keepsake. I am so happy to be able to help others through my painting.

Things started to move a bit quicker once the blouse pattern was finished. I then decided to work my way from the bottom up and get finished with the clothing details before continuing on to the most difficult part, the faces.

This consists of a very time consuming, tedious layering of work. Paint, let dry, paint, let dry, and repeat. I mainly work with Acrylic paint which often dries pretty fast, luckily for layering, not so much for blending.

About this point is where I truly get to step back and see the progress I have made. It's hard as an artist to appreciate and be proud of what you have done. Maybe not for everyone, but I have been told I'm quite the "perfectionist". This is where I start to get really excited seeing it all finally coming together.

As I started coming to a close, I wanted to really focus on his facial expressions towards her. It radiates love and happiness, the way he looks at her is just...everything!

The hair is like a big cherry on top of the whole piece! All your work comes to a close and after 29 hours of work, you almost don't know what to do with yourself. It's kinda funny the overwhelming since of accomplishment, soreness, pride, and fulfillment when a piece is finally finished. I was so happy and ready to give it to Nannie. I also knew it was a delicate time and I didn't want to overstep or offend by doing this surprise portrait for her. She had enough on her plate from every direction, and I wanted the timing to be right.

It was such a beautiful time I will hold dear forever, when she came to pick up her surprise to bring home. I knew that's where it was meant to be. She told me she loved it and it was such a wonderful act. She said she hung it up in her bedroom where they could always be together. I hate the circumstances, but I'm proud to be apart of some sense of peace for her grieving.

She had it professionally framed and I think it couldn't have turned out better!

I have so much love for Nannie and Papa, and I thank everyone of you who took the time to read this. They are so special to me and my girls, I have so much appreciation for everything they have done for me over the years. Even through the harder times they were still supportive. I learned many new things during this process, as an artist and person. I hope this painting portrays the love they had, and the hard work put into it. She will now have this for years to come, in beautiful memory of such and inspiring couple. Thank you Nannie, we love you!

Acrylic on Canvas 30x32

Artist: Dariann Hudson-Crowe

@creationsbydariannrae