Have you ever seen a moment in time that makes you feel both happy and sad?
A memory dear to your heart that makes you glad you experienced it, yet at the same time remorseful that that experience can never happen again?
This photograph of my parents does that for me.
My dear friend Edward Gajdel came to join my family and I for dinner one evening a number of years ago. While he was there he took this photo of my parents, and it perfectly captured how they were at the time.
My dad, jolly and full of joy, laughs along with my mom. You can see the love these two shared.
Today, my mom still has that same spark in her eye, but I wish I could say the same for my dad. Dementia, along with failing health, has robbed him of that joy.
His laughter, these days, is hard to come by.
Painting this piece was very cathartic for me. Not only was I able to capture this moment I cherished so dearly, I also used the espresso they drank as part of the painting itself. This gives it an even more personal touch, like having a physical object imbued into it.
Take a look at the finished result below.
Contact Francesco Gallé
Along with the Toronto canvas prints available on this site, I’m also available for custom work.
If you’re interested in getting a portrait of your parents or loved one done, or any other custom art done, feel free to contact me.