Cody Nicole Greene

[Rob Sullivan]

This young girl was tragically taken from us too soon. In May of 2002, she was murdered by a drug dealer. She was 16 years old. The monster was convicted this past October and sent to prison for life.

Somehow or another, I received a call from her stepfather to do this piece. I was, admittedly, very nervous - but I wanted to at least try and provide her family with something positive as "closure", so her stepdad put it.

I shall be presenting this to the family next week, after framing. My hope is that this piece will remind them of the happiness Cody held while she was with them, and that she still radiates it upon them from Above.

[Rob Sullivan]

Closeup:

[Michele Rushworth]

Very nice. I particularly like the idea of a halo of clouds and the space going up to heaven. Was that intentional?

[Rob Sullivan]

Thank you, Michele. Yes, it was intentional - I'm more than pleased that you noticed!

[Garth Herrick]

Really lovely and sensitive portrait, Rob. I am sure her family will receive it with tears of gratitude. Congratulations! It's haunting - I love it.

Garth

[Rob Sullivan]

Many thanks, Garth. Aside from the gratitude, I really hope it becomes a source of joy for them.

I see that you have recently completd a pothsumous portrait, too. It's an interesting and bittersweet thing to do. You spend so much time thinking of that person, carefully trying to craft life into their image when they are no longer there to give it. Yet, what better way to celebrate a life than to raise it to the level of a timeless piece of art?

I feel proud and honored to have been given the task of celebrating Cody's life.

[Mary Sparrow]

Im tearing up looking at it, I can't imagine how the family will feel. Beautiful job. Welcome to the forum.

[Rob Sullivan]

Thank you, Mary. It's true, this is an emotionally wrenching piece based solely on the subject alone.

It was difficult for me to be satisfied with the final. I made some major last minute changes because of this. The piece needed to challenge the powerful sadness of the circumstance and not be subject to it. I didn't want it to be a memorial, so much as a happy representation of life.

I think I got it, but it's hard to say. Even the family won't be able to say so without bias. It was a tough one... but I'd do it again in a minute if it would bring happiness to someone who lost a loved one.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Rob, I think you did a lovely job with this sensitive painting.

A lot of people do not like to do posthumous portraits yet I have found them to be very rewarding. It is true the reference can make it much harder, but the obvious joy to others is so incredible, especially with work like you have done here.

I think you caught a personality that will live on forever. It will be treasurer for all who loved her.

[Rob Sullivan]

I am grateful for your kind words, Elizabeth.

It has been rewarding already - and her family hasn't even seen it yet! Yes, I surely would do this again.