“There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that never otherwise would have occurred. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe“
I’ve learned through the years that “making a decision” is a very difficult thing for a lot of people. Many people have enjoyed the planning…every detail in place for the future of an endeavor, but for many it never leaves the ground. The planning stage is as far as it goes and another dream is lost.
There is a lot of joy in planning though I have to admit as I’ve been guilty myself of this. But what good is planning a great vacation, getting in the car to go to just drive out the driveway and come home again?
I just know I want to make a portrait of all the fallen soldiers in Afghanistan and I’ve reached a time in my life where I want to do the things I want to do, if at all possible.
Do I know how long it will take? No. Do I think it will be easy? No. Can I do it exactly as I would like? No. My goal was to send the paintings anonymously to the families all framed and drop them on their doorstep in the hopes that it will bring some kind of joy. But, talking to various people who are in the know, it’s not the proper way to do it. There are privacy issues and family issues that I hadn’t thought about, so many more people are involved than I had imagined and alas, doing it anonymously is not possible.
This offer is for any paintings that I’ll do of the fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. I’m donating the painting of the portrait free to each family and I would be honoured if they decided that they would like it. I do know that it is something that I must do. I have a need to know these fallen soldiers more than I do, and my way of doing that is to paint them. You see, in the process of painting each individual person, I grow nearer to them and can feel of their spirit. Painting portraits is a spiritual thing to me.
Because of the generosity of various people, it looks like the portraits will be absolutely free. 
Will no more shortly…
I’ve bought the canvases myself (150 total) (would like help with the funds though) Got them at cost from Gotrick Inc
shipping — looks like it might be taken care of anonymously. (got my fingers crossed!)
boxes–donated by Norampac-Moncton
frame wood–donated by Home Hardware, Sussex, NB
frames–Ernie Lord, Sussex, NB is donating all his time in making a beautiful frame for each portrait.
If you are interested in receiving a portrait, please email me (found on the right).
If you want to see the portraits I’ve done so far, click on Afghanistan on the right also.
Dear Francine,
I wanted to reach out ad tell you that I think sharing your gift with the families who have lost their loved one’s fighting for the freedoms we enjoy everyday in Canada is a wonderful, kind and generous thing to do. These soldiers have made the ultimate scarifice to make a difference to others. I believe you can make a difference to these families and I pray these portraits will bring you joy and that they are treasured by the families of the fallen who reach out to you on this offer.
Cathy Bent
Hi Francine,
This is an intriguing idea.
One of Peter Powning’s suggestions for artists was to “never be afraid to throw yourself off the cliff” when you are captured by a big idea. He suggested that you keep on working the idea- if you are convinced it is good- and that your hard work and persistence will eventually work out.
Good luck with this interesting project.
Sandy