Forget-Me-Not
by Doug Kreuger
Title
Forget-Me-Not
Artist
Doug Kreuger
Medium
Painting - Oil On Canvas
Description
When I see an old abandoned farmhouse, I like to imagine its former occupants. In this case, less imagination is required since it was once home to my Great-Great-Grandparents, Charles and Mathilda Lundquist, who purchased the house through a Sears, Roebuck catalog.
In a letter written to me, their grandson Gerald (Jerry) Krueger, Aberdeen, SD, fondly recalls his childhood memories of times he spent at the old place... playing "ship" on the big front porch where he was the commander, the smell of freshly baked bread and other edible delights, the front walk lined with huge groups of 4-o'clocks, lots of chickens strutting around the yard and no indoor plumbing!
At the time of writing, this house, along with only a few other scattered structures, were all that remained of a once vibrant small prairie community, Wetonka, SD
This old home has since burned down, leaving nothing but sales and fond memories.
Copyright 2009 by Doug Kreuger
All rights reserved
Uploaded
March 2nd, 2010
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Viewed 21,932 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/18/2024 at 6:27 PM
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Comments (278)
Will Borden
Hi Doug~~the effort you put into your oil on canvas paintings is remarkable- you obviously have a lot of patience and talent! Your detail work is phenomenal. Your description and the family connection is really interesting to me, as well. Isn't it sad when old family homes are no longer around. However, the happy memories sure help! Thank you for your recent comment, Doug, and All the Best!
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent painting, Doug! Such amazing light and detail! Perhaps those beautiful forget-me-nots will entice new owners for this wonderful old fixer-upper! L/F/T
Janet Marie
Oh Doug, what a fabulous painting! I love the selective coloring in this piece, the subtle blues in the flowers and broken shutter. Rustic wood is a favorite of mine. I love the way the trees frame the image, the broken swing, everything creating a “forget-me-not” feel to your artwork. I love your story behind the artwork, although saddened by its finish by fire. Thank you for sharing your talent with this marvelous piece. LF Janet 💕
Doug Kreuger replied:
Janet, Thank you ever so much for your warm kind-hearted comments, they are truly appreciated!
Guy Shultz
Oops! Just saw my comment...interesting that I was thinking painting and wrote photo...even beautifuler.
Doug Kreuger replied:
Thanks again Guy, This painting has fooled many a viewer into thinking it is a photograph. :))
Hartmut Jager
A most touching photo and description. I is always sad when a once vibrant place falls into a joyless, woeful state. I can hear the echo of the children laughing as they happily played on the swing. I wonder what became of all the lives and dreams of the people who once lived there? Why did it fall into disrepair...
Doug Kreuger replied:
Hartmut, Thank you for your warm and endearing comment. My relatives who lived in this once-vibrant home passed away a long time ago. As with so many other small farm towns, the railroad's main line and depot were built in nearby Aberdeen (instead of Wetonka).
Dr Pat Gehr
This image truly resonates...stories of the lives that once inhabited this now abandoned structure. I also love the juxtaposition of yesterday's abandonment with the fresh blooms of tomorrow. L/F
Doug Kreuger replied:
Dr. Pat, Thank you for your thoughtful insight, I appreciate your kind support.
Belinda Low
This is one of my favs, Doug! I love all things heritage and old and w lots of memories...and you had brought that back even for me as I look at this. Superb work with the details! F/V
Doug Kreuger replied:
Belinda, Thank you for your thoughtful and generous comments. You are very kind.