Goodbye Mom

  Gwendolyn Tipton 9/6/27 to 12/7/2015.
No one can love you like your mother.
The parents of a gay child have a delicate task. Since the child most often has no idea of what sexuality is, there is no confirmation early on. If a loving parent suspects this might be true, they have to manage their fear yet support the emerging identity open heartedly. This isn`t simple especially if religion is a part of the family. My parents were devout Christians yet when I came out to them, they believed without question what I told them, that I didn`t choose it, it was part of who I was. I never feared rejection for a moment.
Mom took a course in human sexuality at the community college to understand it and it opened her eyes and heart. Most importantly my parents liked me and this gave me the confidence to be myself.
She championed all four of her sons all of her life. We drew strength from her and knew we were lucky to have her.

 Here she is seven years ago with her great grand daughter Hailey. She LOVED babies!

Thank you Mom, you were wonderful.

Red Surf-hospice

                                                                 oil on canvas 8x8 2010


The ocean is the source of life on earth and our blood is the same salinity as the sea.

My mother entered hospice this week and all trajectory stopped. At 88, after a lifetime of health problems, she said no more treatment. I admire her decision. How marvelous it is to see someone face imminent death without fear. That is a gift to the living. I`ve been present for a birth  and a death and the profound gravity and intimacy are similar. It`s a privilege to be there.
She`s watching a movie tonight, so it appears Mom lives another day!

                                        Barcelona triptych three oil on panels each 24x24


I delivered this commission to the building site of the Barcelona apartments. The project is to provide low income housing in the 'old town' part of Beaverton. I was 'hired' by the Kimberly Kent Art Brokerage. I find commissions really tricky because there isn`t a personal motivation propelling the painting. But the client liked my work, I was given the theme and the specs and I thought I can do this, I`m a professional.


My show in Oregon City continues through Dec. 23, though a couple of holiday related closures are happening. If you`d like to view it, give a call first.

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