Self portrait with dog, digital mixed media painting by Fox Larsson

With Dog — Digital Mixed Media Painting

All of that week grandpa was much worse. So I guess I just wasn’t into quirky pics any more. Not into crocodiles, not into confused naked men hugging crocodiles, not into magical birds.

It’s hard to say what I felt that week. What I was mostly thinking about was this: how on earth would I explain to mom that I am staying. That there’s no way I will leave when grandpa is in this condition, there’s no way I’ll leave her to handle this all alone, and there’s no way I’ll leave him.

I think most of my pics are self portraits in one way or another. Some in more direct ways than others. Drawing this one made me feel less lost and lonely.

Grandpa died the day after that. I hope that I made his last days a little bit warmer.

He was barely aware of reality his last days. Hallucinating, and in a constant state of psychosis and panic, his speech barely coherent. Sitting beside his bowl of food, and eating invisible food from an invisible bowl with an invisible fork only he saw. Complaining that it did not have much taste.

I don’t think I cat put much of this into words yet. It’s been less than a month. But I think both for me, and for mom, it just somehow seemed that if anyone would just be there forever and outlive the universe, it was grandpa. Even the very last days, it still seemed so.

Self portrait with dog, digital mixed media painting by Fox Larsson

He is not in this picture, or, rather, you can not see him. But he was all I was thinking of while drawing it.

I really appreciate you sharing,
Fox

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on reddit
Share on telegram
Share on vk

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let's stay in touch!

Join my newsletter to get monthly updates about new work and how it comes to life. Get free coloring pages or downloadable artwork with every letter. I’m honored by you caring about my art, and I’m happy it resonates with you.

Scroll to Top