Art by Christina Floy

"Always Remember" (Day 50, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-21T18:27:00.001-07:00

There is so much I want to say, but I don't want to get sad. My father visits my mother every Saturday and brings her three roses; a white for purity, a yellow for friendship, and a red for love. They were married two weeks short of 60 years.

I was very lucky to have such a kind, smart, loving, no-nonsense mother. I miss her very much. We all do.

"Set Sail" (Day 49, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-21T18:22:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my sister again and this time she is with my middle daughter. When she asked me to paint a picture for her originally, she described one with my youngest daughter and hair in her eyes, so I painted "What's That?" Well, after she saw the painting, she said she loved it but it was not the picture she was talking about!! She mixed up the girls and left out the fact that we were in Hawaii!! Anyway, I love how my daughter has my sister's hair wrapped in her hand and how they are right in eachothers' face. Hope she likes this one.

"Mother's Day Tea" (Day 48, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

This painting is from a picture of a Mother's Day Tea at school. I love how the mother holds the daughter and they both naturally lean into eachother.

On a separate note, I hit a wall this week and couldn't finish a painting for the life of me!!! It was a struggle to say the least!!!

"Skooting" (Day 47, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-17T17:12:00.001-07:00

In the actual picture the daughter was skootering with a baggy of candy. I thought that was funny, she wanted to play, but didn't want to let go of her candy.

"Roping the Jump" (Day 47, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-17T17:07:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was my middle daughter's birthday and we had a Hawaiian Party. For most of the party it was cold and sprinkling but toward the end the sun broke through and it was beautiful. All the girls went outside and played and I was able to get some great pictures. I thought these moments of daughters at play were very sweet and would be a special way to wind down this show.

"Before the Game" (Day 45)

2009-03-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

Everything in this painting makes sense, the daughter wearing her soccer shirt, the mom giving a loving hug and the connection between the two. The only thing out of place is the lei the daughter is wearing. Two reasons for this; one I put flowers into every painting, two this picture was taken at a Hawaiian Birthday Party before the game.

"Mommy Make-Over" (Day 44, 6x6", Oil/Acrylic)

2009-03-16T20:17:00.001-07:00

I am very impressed with the mom in this painting!! Look how relaxed and trusting she is!! I let me girls play (painfully I might add) with my hair, but have done the make up yet!

"Hang On" (Day 43, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

I painted this mommy with her youngest daughter (Day 38, "Nose to Nose") and her older daughter saw the painting and was very upset. If fact, when I was taking the pictures of these two, the daughter told me very seriously, "I wasn't even in the painting!" Of course I had to paint her!!!

"Where's My Diaper?" (Day 42, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my middle girl. (Today is her birthday so I had to paint a picture of her!)

I am down to my last 8 paintings!!! I have a few ideas and know what I want for the last painting, but I need some new pictures. I am really looking for movement and moments. At the park on a swing, making snow angels, a kiss good night, playing, laughing, anything. Don't worry about how you look or your clothes. I really want to end this journey with some joy!!

Thanks again for all the kind e-mails and support! I really appreciate it!!!

"What's That?" (Day 41, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

This is my youngest and my sister. My sister does'nt have children of her own so she has spoiled mine as well as her other nieces and nephews.

"We're Hosed" (Day 40, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

I thought of naming this painting "Why Water the Plants?" because kids always seem to want to water the patio!!! Anyway, the name I chose makes me laugh.

I have been late on posting my paintings so it looks like I have skipped a day, but I am still on track!! Down to the last ten!!!

I have had a lot of questions about how to purchase the paintings. It has been such a pleasure and honor to capture and recreate small moments of the life between a mother and a daughter. My oldest daughter asked if participating in the show has been worth it. For me it has, I have used this opportunity to work through my personal loss. I miss my mom every day but I try to focus on how much I enjoyed her and how much I learned from her. She was such a kind, smart, wise, and easy person. I would talk to her every day and she was one of my best friends. Anyway, I don't want to get sad and what I am trying to say is this adventure has helped me and I am grateful!!! Okay, back to purchasing questions, all of my paintings will become part of the 20th Street Gallery's 50-50 Show. (50 artists, create 50 themed paintings withing 50 days.) My paintings are $50 each and must be purchased through the gallery. Please visit the gallery's website for directions and hours www.20art.net . The show opens April 9th and runs through the end of May. I will be there on the Second Saturday, April 11, which is one year to the day my mother passed away. My goal is to view this as a celebration of the unique, fun, challenging, loving, and always changing bond shared between a mother and a daughter.

"Squeeze-Play" (Day 39, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

I had a lot of fun painting this but was also challenged! The group consists of a mother-grandmother, her two daughters and the one daughter's baby! Three generations!! I love how they are all so absorbed by the baby and the baby is just soaking it all up!!!

"Nose to Nose" (Day 38, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

I love how the dauther and mother are so close when they kiss that their noses are touching. The daughter kept moving closer and into the mother, it was very cute.

"Kick Up Your Heels" (Day 37, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

I love how this mom and daughter were very intuned to eachother. The daughter was giggling and she just kicked up her heels. I thought that was a sweet moment.

"It's a Wrap" (Day 36, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-06T17:43:00.001-08:00

This mom and daughter have the most beautiful hair and I love how the wind blew it around. I also love how they were both laughing a bit and how the daughter wrapped her legs around the mom.

"Dancing Queen" (Day 35, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-05T19:33:00.001-08:00

This is my middle daughter when she was younger. In the original picture she was in a shirt, Blue's Clues undies and the crown but that would have been too embarrassing. Anyway, I love how she looked so "ta-da." Very cute!!

I know I have been indulging myself in painting my girls a lot. I don't mean to be selfish. I might be feeling a bit panicky because I only have 15 paintings left!!! So on that note, thank you to moms who have graciously let me take their pictures and thank you to all of those moms whom have sent me pictures in. I am excited for these last 15 days and hope to capture small moments honoring the bond between a mother and a daughter!

50th Birthday Celebration (Day 34)

2009-03-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

This is picture was taken at the daughter's 50th Birthday Party. I love how both the mother and daughter have matching blue eyes. I also love how happy they look. By the way, the mother is a very young 84!!

"Eyes on the Future" (Day 33, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-03T15:42:00.001-08:00

This is a painting of my oldest daughter. Back when I started this project, my father asked me to paint each of his four grand-daughters, so now I have. I asked my father if he wanted pictures of when the girls were all little and he said nope. He wanted them just as they look now.

"What Did You Say?" (Day 32, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-02T17:00:00.001-08:00

This is my niece and she looks so cute! I am sure her mom was talking to her and she turned to answer.

"Life's a Zoo" (Day 31, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Now I am finally caught up on my painting days!!! This is from a day we spent at the Sacramento Zoo. (Can you tell I am feeling nostalgic?) It was fun and such a pretty day. When I was painting this, my middle daughter asked if I could change her jacket because it is very puffy. You can guess what I said and besides, she loved that jacket at that time!!

"One Trick Pony" (Day 30, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-03-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

This is my youngest daughter's first pony ride at Apple Hill. It was a fun day a few years ago and both of my younger girls loved riding the ponies.

"Mama Never Sleeps Alone", 6x6", Acrylic/Oil

2009-02-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is my sister-in-law and her babies. Many a night I saw them all tuck in like this and thought how can she sleep!!! Now of course the kids are much older and all have their own rooms, but they still often find their mom for snuggle time.

"A Day at the Beach" (Day 28, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

I love how the mom and daughter are hugging so close their faces are right up against eachother. I also love how the daughter has her arm around her mom.

"Day Dreaming" (Day 27, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-25T17:31:00.001-08:00

My daughter helped me name this painting and I thought it was appropriate. I love how peaceful and hopeful the daughter looks. (Not to mention beautiful.)

"A Kiss for Baby" (Day 26, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

It is always a journey bringing a sibling into the family!! I love how the baby is giving "kisses" and how the mom has a simple smile looking on.

"Grandma & the City" (Day 25, 6x6" Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my mother-in-law and her grandmother. They would take visits to the city and during this period street photographers would take your picture. On these trips they would often visit the knitting department of a store for help with ongoing projects and after, if the grand-daughter was good, grandma would treat her to a strawberry soda.

"Single Scoop" (Day 24, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

My friend, Michele, found this picture and sent it to me. She and I both love the movement and sincere love it shows. It makes me happy looking at it and makes me sad for the day I won't be able to scoop up my girls anymore.

"Feet First" (Day 23, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-21T19:34:00.001-08:00

This was the daughter's first time wading into the lake. The moment gave the mother pause and she shared a portion of her journal entry from that day,"A different period of time flashed in my mind- a time when you are much older and more independent. I realized there will be a day when you will no longer need my hand in the same way. I can only pray that you know my hand is always outstretched to you."

"Mother of the Bride" (Day 22, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is a testament to how fast time goes. This mother and bride are the same two individuals from my painting, "All Dressed Up" (Day 13). I love how they are both laughing and leaning into each other.

"Hard Hats" (Day 21, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-19T17:24:00.001-08:00

I love pathways, they are very inviting and seem adventurous! The girls are wondering what is right around the corner.

"Love on the Rocks" (Day 20, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-18T17:42:00.001-08:00

My Dad chose the name for this painting, and I thought it was cute. This was taken at Folsom Lake a number of years ago by the mom's sister. They had all been hiking around they climbed on a big rock and this moment was captured. I love how close they all look and how the hands are all kind of reaching for eachother without even knowing it.

"Swing Time" (Day 19, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-17T16:51:00.001-08:00

Haven't you always wanted a porch swing?!?!?! What a great place to hang out and catch up! I love how the mom is snuggling with the one daughter while focusing on the other. They all look happy, calm and like they are just hanging out.

"She Sells Seashells" (Day 18, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love how the mom is walking and leaning a bit with the baby and looking up at her older daughter with such pleasure. I still love collecting shells at the beach and this looks like such a happy moment.

"Eskimos Kisses" (Day 17, 6x6" Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

I am a bit biased on this picture because this is my little niece and I think she is stinken cute! Aside from that, I love how both mother and daughter are so focused on the moment. I also love how their hands are touching, very loving.

The Susan G. Komen (Day 16, 6x6, Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-15T12:16:00.001-08:00

After the Race (Day 16, 6x6, Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken after the 3 day, 60 mile Susan G. Komen walk. The mother was surprised by her family at the finish line and was overcome with emotion.

I love how the mother scoops the daughter's hair as she pulls her close for a kiss. I also love how the daughter is happy and doesn't exactly know what to do with her hands. It was a beautiful, honest moment.

"Castles in the Sand" (Day 15, 6x6, Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-13T18:49:00.001-08:00

This mom was at the park with her two daughters and her little son. They looked so cute together in the sandbox. Also, the mom didn't just dig in with her daughter, she first asked if she could help, very respectful of her daughter's independence.

"Something's Brewing" (Day 14, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-12T13:25:00.001-08:00

I love how the daughters at the height of her incoming, growing, brewing, sibling. She looks so little and ready to be a big sister. I also love the mom's tummy, so round and tight.

"All Dressed Up" (Day 13, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

This painting was very challenging. It is of my friend Sandy and her mom and was from a picture about two inches big! I just loved it though, I loved how cute my grownup friend was and how excited she looked. I also loved the formality of dress for her mother, the gloves, the hat the shoes, fabulous!

Also, I have been unifiying the overall mother daughter theme by including flowers somewhere in every painting. Sometimes in the hair, or on bushes or in the hand.

"Emerging Beauty" (Day 12, 6x6", Acrylic/Oil)

2009-02-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

I saw this mother and daughter at Target. They graciously let me take their picture. I loved how shy the daughter looked, she is almost hiding in her hair. She doesn't know how beautiful she is becoming, just like her mother.

Also, I accidently deleted a message about a painting. (Sorry.) Feel free to contact me with any questions at art@christinafloy.com or through my website www.christinafloy.com. Thanks for everyones support and kinds words. That is very much appreciated and helpful!!!

"A Kiss and then a Hairclip" (Day 11)

2009-02-09T19:14:00.001-08:00

I love this picture, how the mom is snuggling so close. I couldn't resist the name I chose, the daughters hair is just so cute and challenging to paint.

"Our Shadows & Us

2009-02-08T19:00:00.001-08:00

I loved how the shadows hit the school wall and I wanted to play with that. I also love how the mom and daughter's hands were so naturally touching without any thought.

"An Afternoon in the Park" (Day Nine)

2009-02-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

In the actual picture I took, the mom's face was completely in the shadows. I tried to keep that feeling with giving her a little light. I loved how the sun was on the daughters face and the side of the mom's hand as she cups her daughters cheek.

"I Did It!" (Day Eight)

2009-02-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun painting this picture of my daughter. She just looks so happy and confident! She chose the name for this painting which is "I Did It!" Whatever it is, she does look like she did it.

"A Kiss From Mommy" (Day Seven)

2009-02-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Roberta and her daughter. I love how close they look and how it almost looks like she is telling her daughter a secret.

Backpacks & Lunchboxes (Day Six)

2009-02-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my good friend Tracy and her daughters. Tracy was taking the girls to school and she stopped to let me take this picture. I love how mom and one daughter are in stride together and the other daughter turns to say something......I also loved how the light was in the morning, and how the light hit their hair.

"Big Shoes to Fill" (Day Five)

2009-02-03T17:57:00.001-08:00

This painting was so fun to paint!

"Sometimes They Are Angels" (Day Four)

2009-02-02T16:22:00.001-08:00

I want to say a special thanks to all the moms who have been so gracious as to send me photos or who have stopped and let me take their picture as they are running around!!! No vanity here and I really appreciate it!

On this painting, I tried to focus on how sweet our daughters look when they don't know they are being watched.

Bathtime (Day Three)

2009-02-01T20:05:00.001-08:00

Babies First Wedding (Day Two)

2009-01-31T19:44:00.000-08:00

This picture makes me happy. You can never get to much snuggle out of a baby!!!

January 30, 2009 (Day One) "M.A.B.E.L. Mothers Always Bring Extra Love

2009-01-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

This painting is called "M.A.B.E.L. Mothers Always Bring Extra Love." It was very hard to paint 4 people on a 6 x 6 inch board, one dot off and everything changed.

Getting Ready for the 50/50 Show

2009-01-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Last year when my mother passed away, the 20th Street Gallery was getting ready to open the 50/50 Show. (Fifty artists, create fifty paintings, within fifty days.) I knew some artists who were participating in the show, but I was too sad to attend. Since then, I thought about doing this show with a theme on the dynamic relationship between mothers and daughters. I submitted this painting and was accepted to participate in the 50/50 Show. I hope to honor my Mom in a small way by painting simple moments of the bond shared between all the mothers and daughters I see everyday all around me. One last thought, the 50/50 Show opens on April 8, 2009 and the big, Second Saturday Show is on April 11, 2009, one year to the day my Mom passed away.