Volunteer portrait

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Julie, it is so nice that you were able to give the family such a nice rememberance.

I looked at the after event report and I am glad to see that people are celebrating the life of the departed ones, eventhough it is very sad as well. I lack the right words to express what I mean....

[Julie Deane]

One of the first words after I met his mom was, "this doesn't have to be a military portrait, does it?"

I tried to incorporate some of her favorite photos, but when I saw the reference photo with that beautiful expression, it caught my heart.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Julie, what an absolutely beautiful portrait! He's so alive--what a priceless gift. The edges are magical and the shadowy space is suggestive and full of depth and possiblity. I'm so glad his mother asked you if it had to be a military portrait. This is way better than a stiff portrait of him in uniform.

[Cynthia Daniel]

Wow, it is so sensitively done - makes ME want to cry. Beautiful, Julia.

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Chris, Enzie, Alexandra, Cynthia -

I appreciate your comments. This was hanging in the mom's home for 4 months before I needed to get it back for the show. I could tell it was hard for her to have it leave the home, even with assurances that it would be well cared for.

[Tom Edgerton]

What a great thing for you to do...and what a truly great and moving result.

Congratulations!--TE

[Julie Deane]

Thanks, Tom