Lots of family time this summer when Monica Forrestall made it home to Nova Scotia for two glorious months. For the first few days of July, our wonderful father, Tom Forrestall, made it out to the Annapolis Valley for a few days. He drove down with me, Monica, and we all had lots of sketching, dinners, visits and relaxed and happy times unfolded. Here, dad was quietly sketching a vase of flowers that he had picked up at the farmers market in Annapolis Royal. Curphey's daughter Jasmine wanted to paint too, and set up a piece of paper next to her grandfather. My son Max immediately wanted to join and soon the dining room at Three Oaks was filled with quiet, focused children painting alongside of their grandfather. It was such a natural and sweet family moment, that unfolded naturally.
above, Tom Forrestall painting with his grandchildren, Jasmine (left), Max (sitting) and Liz (standing on right).
Tom Forrestall's sketch of flowers below, left.
This picture of Dad & the kids drawing in the dining room at Three Oaks reminds me of the Studio in Fredericton, and how we were always making things & doing art. I remember one day Dad was painting and we were all busy creating a big contraption that extended from the far right corner of the Studio, (over the huge window) over Dads head at his easel, and then wound around to a large 2 foot i diameter basin of water. Will had fashioned an arial cable car bucket to transport one of Grannie's hand knit dolls. Anyway the idea was that "Charlie" would eventually build up enough momentum to create a big splash. Of course the imagination was better than the engineering, so the action was helped along, and eventually spiraled into who could douse "Charlie" at the farthest distance with the most force. I remember standing back and watching Dad at his easel painting quietly amidst all the mess, screams, squeals, and laughter. Now that's focus.
ReplyDeleteThat's hilarious. I didnt remember that! Dad's ability to focus on his art work while creative chaos rained down all around and over him, made him a very special kind of dad to have.
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