Johnny
Ray was born on August 1st, 1968. Johnny was “born” a little while before that. He waited patiently until he was found by Grandma Knirs and given lovingly to this tiny baby named Ray. At first he had no idea what to expect. Although he dreamed about finding a loving home, he had no idea it would last a lifetime.
Most of Johnny’s fur has been loved off. He’s had emergency surgeries over the years to add more stuffing and repair seams. That could be cuz he was bursting at the seams with love for this little boy that took him everywhere over the years.
Now Ray is 50 years old; so is Johnny. And he still holds a special place in Ray’s heart – a tangible manifestation of the love from Grandma Knirs. He’s kept in a safe place, cherished. Johnny has been spending some time at my house lately in another safe place, up high away from the puppy who absolutely loves tearing up stuffed animals.
He sits patiently posing while I paint his portrait – recreating every visible stitch, every loved off patch of fur, the green of his eyes.
Almost finished…
paintingpoppy 