The idea for this painting came from
Audrey Roll-Preissler. Audrey had given me drawings of a relief painting she hoped to complete of the Lions wearing glasses. Health issues forced her to abandon the project.
To honor Audrey, I agreed to do the best that I could to paint “Lions wearing glasses” using her drawings as reference.
Erika Lynn Bartlett assisted by putting the original drawing on the Birch Plywood.
Visiting Audrey’s home smiles came across my face as I took in the bright colors and whimsical characters she had created with her unique style. She emphasized the need for humor and even mocking. “Our worldly affairs warrant addressing, questioning, judging.... even mocking (to preserve sanity). Humor is the best ingredient around and I try to seize and employ it in my expressions.”
The painting is not my usual style, I am not sure what my usual style is but this was something different. I had painted on Masonite before but not on Birch Plywood which was Audrey’s canvas. ingredient around... I usually don’t paint cute or silly. So it all became an experience.
And why Lions Wearing Glasses? Audrey and her husband had a long term relationship with Lions Clubs. She had completed another “Lions Wearing Glasses” a relief painting that hangs in the Post Office in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Her husband had been the president of the local Lions Club.
Lions International historically support sight programs aimed at preventable blindness and those needing eye care. It started in n 1925 when Helen Keller attended the Lions Clubs International Convention and challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness."
I am a curious lady, and attempt to do my research. I also like to check out information to check and see if it is true. I found Helen Keller’s speech to the Lions. It started like this,
“I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn't opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should be. Lovely, desirable ladies won't wait. You have to go out and grab 'em.”
And in her speech she brings to the Lions not a request for help but an “OPPORTUNITY”.
The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. The Lions accepted this opportunity.
Today sight programs remain one of the Lions defining causes.
The painting is 5 feet by 4 foot oil on Birch Panel. It is not framed as yet and am not sure what I am going to do with it. Currently, it hangs in the lobby of the Birch Bay Hostel in Blaine Washington.
So far I have made a mug from the Design.
pet portraits
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