In Lieu of Flowers

Posted on November 11, 2015 | 30 Comments

My father-in-law recently passed away.

Although we were not close, I still wanted him to die peacefully.

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I was thankful that his wishes were met and he is no longer suffering.

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I started my mixed media collage by gluing my Gelli printed papers with Matte Medium onto 140 lb hot press paper.   I added gesso around the flowers and textured it while it was still wet with the end of my paint brush and syran wrap.

After the gesso was dry, I added watercolor:

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Adding several more layers of watercolor, I buffed it with a damp cloth to bring out the texture.

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I added watercolor pencil to define the flowers at the end.

In lieu of flowers, 🌹 – my father-in-law would love if you planted a tree.   🌲

I would love to know how YOU celebrated and remembered your family and friends that have died – thank you for sharing your stories with me.

Hugs!  ❤️

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30 responses to “In Lieu of Flowers”

  1. memadtwo | November 11, 2015 at 4:30 am | Reply

    I always donate to the library, in memory of my mother the librarian. And my brothers and I established a scholarship at my father’s high school, which my nephew also attended. Planting a tree is a good thing for all of humanity! (K)

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Laura (Createarteveryday) | November 11, 2015 at 5:07 am | Reply

    So sorry to hear about your father-in-law, Jill. This is really beautiful artwork. It’s been a very long time since my dad passed away – nearly 20 years – but every time I see a butterfly, I feel he’s checking in with me. Really love your artwork, too; I’m seeing lots of tenderness here. I hope your hubby is doing ok as well. It’s a blessing when they’re out of pain. Take care, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | November 11, 2015 at 10:33 am | Reply

      Thank you, Laura. I like the thought of a butterfly reminding you of your dad. ❤️ Another friend told me how her father worked for the railroad. He told her when she was a child that whenever she heard a train whistle it was his way of saying Goodnight since he worked the late shift. So now she thinks of him every time she hears a train whistle. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

      • Laura (Createarteveryday) | November 11, 2015 at 10:43 am |

        Aww. I love that one, Jill. And we can hear the train that’s not too far away…..such a cool thing to hear at night, especially. Will make me smile to think of your friend’s dad. My ggfather on my dad’s side worked for the railroad too, making it even nicer. 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Jodi | November 11, 2015 at 5:14 am | Reply

    My heart is with you Jill. Hugs! Beautiful art sharing your emotions.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. The Secret Kingdom | November 11, 2015 at 6:35 am | Reply

    I am so sorry for your loss, Jill.. my thoughts and prayers are with you. These beautiful flowers are a gift of love to his memory. Creating art helps… I find that through visual expression, we can explore and release deep feelings, when words just aren’t enough. When my father died, I threw myself into my art.. it saved my life. https://secretkingdombook.wordpress.com/2014/08/18/my-easel-and-i-a-love-story/

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sharon Mann | November 11, 2015 at 7:17 am | Reply

    Dear Jill, creating art to honor someone’s death is one of the most personal acts you can do, in my opinion. Both of my dad and mom died this year and it is through my art that I have grieved for them. They both appreciated my art talent. It’s how I honor them daily. You have given your father in law a beautiful honor and it is a very personal way to remember him. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Catherine Johnson | November 11, 2015 at 7:54 am | Reply

    Sorry about your father-in-law Jill. They are lovely flowers.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Teresa Robeson | November 11, 2015 at 7:55 am | Reply

    In Chinese custom, we have the Ching Ming festival to honor the memory of our departed. It is not sad but a wonderful time for the family to gather and celebrate their heritage and ancestors. Plus, great food! Unfortunately, here, away from my extended family in Hong Kong, we don’t do anything because hubby’s family has no tradition and I live too far from my mom’s grave site. I remember her everyday though.

    My condolences to you about your FIL. We plant new trees every year. Probably planted about 50 this year. One will be in your FIL’s memory.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | November 11, 2015 at 10:50 am | Reply

      Thank you Teresa for sharing your family traditions with me. I like the idea of celebrating their lives with a festival to honor them. I hope that my husband’s family will have a Memorial as a chance to share stories and celebrate the good memories. I’m sorry you are so far away from your family though. This has to be hard.
      Thank you for planting a tree in memory of my FIL. Your kindness touches me deeply. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  8. my messy world | November 11, 2015 at 11:13 am | Reply

    …love the flowers!!! I’m very sorry for your loss. Wish you and your family lots of strength ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Charlie O'Shields (doodlewash) | November 11, 2015 at 12:20 pm | Reply

    My dear friend, I’m sending you love and warm thoughts! ❤️❤️😃In my Irish family we just gather, have drinks and tell stories. I think stories are like elixir for the soul. They keep people close to you forever, by burning all the best things about them into your memories in a way you can’t forget.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill Kuhn | November 11, 2015 at 12:44 pm | Reply

      Thank you, Charlie. ❤️ I agree, telling stories is one of the best way to remember a loved one. The family was sharing many stories while his dad was in the hospital. I don’t know how aware his dad was but it was helpful for the family. 😊 I appreciate your kind comments. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  10. artandmoondreams | November 11, 2015 at 2:14 pm | Reply

    A beautiful expression and tribute to your father-in-law. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Wishing you peace and warm hugs to see you through.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. rebecca | November 12, 2015 at 5:10 am | Reply

    Sorry for your loss….sweet flowers though, all the best! hugs

    Liked by 1 person

  12. pdoyle5 | November 12, 2015 at 8:59 am | Reply

    I am so sorry for your loss Jill. Thinking of you and your family as we approach the holiday season.
    I lost my son in a car accident in May – coincidentally around the time I found your blog. I want to thank you because your beautiful art inspires me every single day. In the midst of unbearable sadness there is still beauty in the world. Although I am not creating art every day I am working through my grief with painting, photography and running. Hugs and best wishes.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. jennifer barrile | November 12, 2015 at 3:41 pm | Reply

    Beautiful remembrance Jill! Sorry for your loss.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. M.R. Emberson | November 12, 2015 at 5:10 pm | Reply

    I’m sorry to hear about your father-in-law. My condolences to you and your family.

    Liked by 1 person

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