When I first looked at the portrait Elizabeth Starnes painted of My Daddy, it just about brought me to my knees. His portrait is absolutely beautiful! Elizabeth created the painting from a photo that was taken 50 years ago. As I looked closer and spent more time with it I realized that the portrait didn't show the same expression on his face as the picture I had given her. The photo showed him with a slight smile and in the portrait his expression was serious, determined, and he had a strong protective look on his face. It wasn't quite what I was expecting but I remembered he had that very expression several times when I was a little girl.

I didn't say anything to Elizabeth because as far as I was concerned it was perfect. I trusted her instinct from the beginning and never went to check on it before she finished.

When Elizabeth called to tell me the portrait was ready she explained that she'd had a few rough spots but worked thru them and she felt good about the final product. Elizabeth says she spiritually connects with her subjects and when I finally saw the portrait and heard her tell the story of how she painted Daddy, I completely understood what she meant.

Elizabeth told me she was struggling with his expression. She tried several times to "soften" his smile but she said Daddy wouldn't let her.  She tried several times to make it like the photo but the same look would come back on his face. She said that she finally was forced to "give in" to his wishes and painted him the way he wanted her to.

I listened to Elizabeth talk of her experience of painting Daddy's portrait in awe. In my heart I knew that thru Elizabeth's work, my Daddy was telling me he is with me every day, he still protects me and my family and most of all, he loves me.

Daddy has been gone for 34 years. My son Thomas stood in as a live model for a few photos because he favors my Daddy. I'm blessed in so many ways and this blessing is one of my biggest. I am so grateful to Elizabeth and her beautiful talent for spiritually reconnecting me and my family to my Daddy after all these years. Elizabeth Starnes clearly has a special gift that touches the soul.   --Tanya Salvato Shields