Sister Grimm, Searching for San Antonio's Past, 18x24 portrait painting
In early November, it was unusually cold. In fact, it was almost freezing when I took part in a Ghost Tour in downtown San Antonio with Paul and my DayTripper friends. Sister Grimm was waiting for us in her Victorian dress and accessories. She was prepared to give us some goosebumps with her ghostly tales of San Antonio's past. I figured I might get a double case of them. From the cold and the scary stories of Sister Grimm, I had an above-average chance of getting lots of goosebumps.
Before we started, she asked if we had any questions. "Are you going to be warm enough tonight?" I asked her. I had bought a new winter coat to withstand the cold. She replied, "Oh, my goodness, yes. I have my sweatsuit on under this dress." Then, she cleared her throat and had a far-away look in her eye. We were going to do some time-traveling. Our first stop was the old and haunted Menger Hotel by Alamo Plaza.
Our last stop for our tour through SA's historical and scary past took us to the San Fernando Cathedral on Main Plaza. She motioned for us to follow her. The group bunched up and then proceeded. We ended up behind the old church. Looking toward the doorway, she told us her final story. Then, she looked up. It looked as though she'd seen a ghost. A distant light flooded down on her. Her face glowed in the semi-darkness. I looked around at the others. Everyone was quiet. I wanted to remember this moment. I snapped a quick photo. Three months later, I started on her portrait. I kept thinking about all her stories while working in my studio. She left an impression on me.
ART on DISPLAY
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