"Coco" Hill
This painting was done in memory of Coco for Tim and Laura Hill. I met Coco as a patient but didn't know him for long before he passed. When Laura approached me about this project, I asked for a little background history on Coco and was astounded by his story. He was owned by a WWII veteran who kept him on a short chain. The Hill's were acquainted with the gentleman and tried to obtain ownership of Coco, but he refused. The years rolled by and eventually the owner died and the family relinquished Coco to Tim and Laura. He was dirty and matted, his chain rusted to his collar so firmly it had to be cut off, and he could hardly walk due to years of inactivity. But his last couple of years were spent in the lap of luxury! I love hearing stories like this and attempt to portray some sense of feeling in my paintings. I wanted to have Coco emerging out of a shadowed past, but Laura wanted brightness as well to represent his final years. It is human nature to pray for an easy life of health and happiness, but it is often the darkness that builds our faith and strength. No living thing is immune from the storms of this life. Thanks to the Hill's for giving Coco a final safe harbor.
