Amy Lagers Studio

Make a difference in someone else’s life

About six years ago, I painted a picture of my friend’s dog. It was early in my painting journey, and I just wanted to see if I could do it. I had tried to paint my own dogs, but they were mostly one color, and I was having a hard time creating depth. My friends dog, however, was a little chihuahua with the cutest brown and white face.

So, I painted little Corazón. I thought it turned out pretty good. I entered it in the art contest at the Tulsa State Fair, and it won third place.

Meanwhile, my friend had moved overseas to teach. His grandmother (whom everyone called “Keke”) was caring for his dog while he was gone. Another friend shared a photo of my painting with her, and before long she was calling me asking if I would consider selling the painting. She said she wanted to give it to my friend for Christmas. Apparently, that didn’t happen. The dog and the painting ended up staying with Keke.

Today, I went to her funeral. Actually, I went to a joint funeral for her and her husband. They were married for over 60 years, and they died within 3 days of each other. They were beautiful people who loved with their whole heart. To meet them was to become family. You knew you were cared for when Papa and Keke were around.

As we gathered in their home, I was so touched to see my painting hanging in a place of honor in their dining area.

Keke was the first person to purchase one of my paintings. I had never even considered that I could sell my work. After I sold this to Keke, another friend reached out over social media and purchased one of my other paintings. I got a little more confident. Now, I am in a couple of galleries around town, and I set up at a monthly art crawl.

Making art is personal, and sharing art with others is vulnerable. I am thankful to those who have supported my journey. Today, I remember my first customer, Keke. She loved with her whole heart. I hope I can pay her kindness forward, because I know how much it meant to me.

-Amy