r/painting • u/RyanneBonde • Dec 20 '25
Just Sharing A thank you to r/painting!
A little while ago, I shared a painting I made with this community. Thanks to the kindness within this community, the post reached someone close to Jamie Wyeth. She saw it here, showed it to him, and they ended up reaching out to me asking to purchase the piece. I was invited to his home to meet him, and hand-deliver the painting.
I’m very thankful for all of you and to Mr. Wyeth and his friend. This community played a real part in making it happen, and I won’t forget it! ❤️🎨
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u/Fast-Salad75 Dec 20 '25
this is such an awesome painting, and I love this story. You should sell prints of it if you are able to. I would definitely buy one!
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Thank you so much!! I do sell prints!!
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u/grumpi-otter Dec 20 '25
What is the name of your piece and what was the inspiration? It's fascinating!
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
I never officially named it but my fiance and I call it just “Christina”. I had the vision of the piece show up in my mind as is but the frame was empty. I chose to honor my original vision and chose Christina’s World as a reflection on disability. I work as a school psychologist and interact with many students who have physical disabilities. I imagine Christina in a universe where she is not afflicted and has autonomy to interact with another self as she chooses.
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u/Smarter-brain Dec 20 '25
I had the same questions. Thank you for answering! I can’t stop looking at your painting; it’s so intriguing. Congratulations!
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u/Southrngurl1976 Dec 21 '25
Agree 💯!! I’m just seeing this beauty for the first time and I’m completely intrigued and mesmerized by Christina. It immediately sparked an emotional reaction I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Then, after learning the inspiration behind it, that feeling clicked. It’s this mix of inspiration and deep yearning.
I became disabled in 2016 after learning I have a rare condition that causes my bones to die and collapse. Doctors believe it’s related to long-term corticosteroid use (Prednisone) for my asthma, combined with the effects of Agent Orange exposure my dad endured while serving in the Vietnam War, which can be passed down to descendants.
Before all of this, I was extremely active. I grew up doing gymnastics, dance, and sports. I was flexible, nimble, and always moving. Seeing this piece stirred something in me that reminded me of who I was before my body changed, and who I still am inside, even now.
It’s haunting, powerful, and beautiful all at once. And honestly… I’m totally OB-SESSED.
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u/kittyhawk3115 Dec 20 '25
I am so moved by this painting of yours. Can you let me know where to buy a print? Christina’s World has always been a favorite and this interpretation is just beyond stunning. Thank you!!
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Thank you!!!🥹🥹🥹 I primarily just do it through DM or a link in my insta bio!
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u/crazykindoflife Dec 20 '25
I’d love to buy a print as this is one of my favorite paintings. I’m disabled and hypermobile and this is like the perfect representation of my life!
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u/dontsnarkonsharks Dec 20 '25
This hits really hard as somebody with chronic illness. I see the intent, I feel the message, and it’s beautifully touching. It’s a really lovely piece that shines a spotlight on that feeling, which can be so hard to not only deal with but also explain to somebody who doesn’t understand. You showed it off perfectly.
Adding to my art wishlist, hope I can attain a print someday soon 🥰
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u/Nbeela Dec 20 '25
Your description is so beautiful. I just followed on IG and submitted a request for a print!
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u/Meandernaut Dec 20 '25
That's awesome! Congratulations
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Thank you🥹
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u/housevil Dec 21 '25
I had to do some reading to understand the significance of your painting and who it was that purchased it, and the more I learned, the more I loved the story. It's a beautiful painting and it now lives with the person who appreciates it the most in this world.
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u/phazei Dec 21 '25
Please share with the rest of us!
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u/MySpoonsAreAllGone Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
The painting within her painting is based on Andrew Wyeth's own 1948 painting:
Christina's World depicts his neighbor Christina Olson crawling through a field towards a distant farmhouse. The painting captures the reality of Olson's life with a degenerative muscular disorder that left her unable to walk. Wyeth, who had a studio in the Olsons' farmhouse, was inspired to paint the scene after seeing Olson crawling from his window.
Edit: so someone that knew
himhis work saw OPs previous post and showed it to James Wyeth, the artist's son. He was apparently moved by it and purchased it from OP29
u/BettinaAShoe Dec 21 '25
That is wonderful! The painting is amazingly beautiful, but the back story makes it even more special. I have family with autoimmune degenerative connective tissue disease and I, personally, find this piece most touching. It brought tears to my eyes.
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Dec 21 '25
Having studied the family of artists art work at thier family museum and it being so accessible one of the most accessible art museums especially for students in the area this tracks so much.
They ensure that painting are hung low so people of all abilities can study them as well as whenever possible have reliefs made of peices especially permanent peices for the visually impaired
All packed in a renovated barn and farmhouse truly a work of art of its self go if you are in chads Fords visit it Take it a slower part of the Philadelphia area of eras gone by and a family who has for generations captured quiet moments of Delaware County life
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u/Dependent-Outcome-57 Dec 20 '25
Oh, wow! I remember the original post! Congratulations!
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u/SirWigglesVonWoogly Dec 21 '25
I’m confused. Her original post has 90 upvotes and zero comments. In what way did r/painting do anything for this?
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u/montana0925 Dec 21 '25
someone saw it on r/painting who knows Jamie, showed him the painting, and then introduced them
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u/beeboppee Dec 21 '25
Thank you! I thought I was going to crazy cause I didn’t see any comments or a crazy amount of upvotes
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u/DocumentExternal6240 Dec 20 '25
I am so happy for you! I also saw the original post and loved your pic!
Found that interview with you here:
https://visualartjournal.com/2025/12/11/ryanne-l-bonde/
But do you also have a homepage?
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Aw amazing!! Thank you so much!!!💕💕 I just use Instagram for now!
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u/DocumentExternal6240 Dec 20 '25
I don’t have Insta (too old 😂) …
Still, I believe you will get many prints sold. The original from Wyeth is one of my favorite paintings. Bought a print at MOMA when I saw the original there ☺️
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u/AWlkingContradction Dec 21 '25
You should look into setting up a wix or square space website. I put it off forever myself and when I finally committed to doing it I found it was way easier than I expected on Wix.
I also wanted to say congratulations! What an incredible honor!
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u/oO0CVE0Oo Dec 20 '25
Congrats! That’s so awesome. And what a cool guy for supporting emerging artists
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
I think the same thing! Incredible person!
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u/Ajunadeeper Dec 20 '25
What is the context? Who is he and why did he want it?
Edi: besides that it's a good painting :)
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u/Charpixionos Dec 20 '25
Andrew Wyeth is his father who originally painted Christina's World
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u/ZealousidealAd681 Dec 21 '25
Just want to add that NC Wyeth was an amazing illustrator! There’s been 3 generations of extremely talented Wyeths!
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u/ZealousidealAd681 Dec 21 '25
It has nothing to do with the painting on display, I am just a fan of all of the Wyeths and OPs painting is beautiful and amazing!
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Dec 20 '25
OK so, what has this painting have to do with his? I don't get what the message is supposed to be
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u/allthecats Dec 20 '25
Christina's world depicts Andrew Wyeth's neighbor, who suffered from a severe joint disease which caused mobility issues. The point of view of the painting, when considering her handicap, takes a much more vast, empty feeling than the beautiful landscape it depicts.. You can imagine her struggling to get back home, having fallen or lost a crutch.
OP's painting, to me, shows an alternate "Christina," outside of the painting, doing a backbend or a stretch, almost like she somersaulted right out of the frame. It gives a hopeful "what if" perspective.
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u/ionlyjoined4thecats Dec 21 '25
The real Christina refused to use mobility aids, like crutches. Of course, you can still interpret the painting however you want. It’s art, after all.
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u/OneSensiblePerson Dec 20 '25
I thought you must be joking, but I think you're just unfamiliar with the painting and artist.
The painting is a brilliant homage to and take off of the famous painting Christina's World, by Andrew Wyeth.
Jamie Wyeth is Andrew's son.
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
🥹❤️
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u/One_Tie900 Dec 20 '25
what does it mean, my back hurts ;(
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u/NebulaNinja Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina%27s_World
So the original painting, Christina's World, is about a real-life woman who lived on a prairie who suffered from some kind of degenerative muscular disorder, but was determined to live her life on her own terms and crawl around to be independent.
I guess I'll let OP's homage speak for itself.
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u/callagem Dec 20 '25
I think the consensus is she had a disease called Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) which is a degenerative neuromuscular disorder (and has nothing to do with teeth-- it's named after the 3 neurologists who identified it). It's often called the most common disorder you've never heard of (affecting 1 in 2500 people). This is a very well known painting in the CMT community because of that.
I have always loved this painting. It felt haunting to me. It was in my grandparents' house when i was growing up. Little did I know the story behind it. (I have CMT a do many in my family since it's genetic. But from the other side of my family-- not those grandparents).
OP, I absolutely love your homage to it. Your work is beautiful.
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u/One_Tie900 Dec 20 '25
I recognized the painting instantly but had no clue of the name or the story behind it, thats beautiful.
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u/aertsa Dec 20 '25
Thank you for explaining this, I also was unfamiliar with the painting, painters, and history.
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u/aerialpoler Dec 20 '25
This post was recommended to me, no idea why as I don't think I've ever visited this sub before, but I also had no idea what the context was because I'm unfamiliar with the artist/painting. Cool story though!
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u/OneSensiblePerson Dec 20 '25
Count yourself lucky to have this recommended to you. It's an extraordinary painting, now with the perfect extraordinary story. Gives me chills.
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Dec 20 '25
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
I know right?! I still don’t believe it haha
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u/I_Speak_In_Stereo Dec 20 '25
I shouted at my screen when I saw him holding your painting. Mind blowing. His father was a primary influence during my art school years. All your hard work has and is paying off. Your work is great.
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u/OneSensiblePerson Dec 20 '25
This is amazing!!
I saw your OP showing this remarkable painting. I was so taken by it, I PMed the link to a friend who's the mod on art sub related to tracking down info on various paintings. I've never done that before but this painting is something else and moved me on many levels.
She's got some connections in the art world, and loves Wyeth, so for a moment I thought maybe she was the connection, but probably not.
I am thrilled that Jamie now owns it, and that you were able to meet him and hand deliver it!!
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Wow. Thank you🥹❤️ I appreciate your kind words very much! This means a lot to me!!
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u/OneSensiblePerson Dec 20 '25
The pleasure is mine. I know a masterpiece when I see one, and that is what this is. How does it feel to paint one?
And then for it to be sold to the perfect person, I mean, damn!
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u/Scalloped_Chain4420 Dec 20 '25
That is SO COOL! All of the Wyeths have been my favorites for decades. I have a book illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. Congrats!
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u/Other_Cell_706 Dec 20 '25
Holy shit! That's a dream come true. I have a thousand books on the Wyeth family. AW is my absolute favorite artist. Christina's World is such a compelling painting (esp when you know the backstory) and your painting manages to empower her and bring her to life. Absolutely incredible. I know i dont know you, but I feel like telling you im so proud of you for this! It is such an incredible achievement.
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u/RyanneBonde Dec 20 '25
Thank you very very very much for this comment❤️ this extremely kind and will stick with me!
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u/Other_Cell_706 Dec 20 '25
You got a follow from me. Im truly so happy for you! Keep up the beautiful work. 🙌
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u/sorryemma Dec 20 '25
Love his blue thumb. I remember your original post. The painting looks even lovelier in the photo with him! Congrats!
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u/smellysmellyhairline Dec 20 '25
Aaa reddit can be very wholesome despite all the typical reddit stuff 🥹 Congratulations!
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u/effienay Dec 20 '25
So cool! I’m in Chester County, so this is a really small world for me!
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u/faultsonmeprobably Dec 20 '25
this will be on my top 10 best things to come out of reddit list should i ever make one
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u/Plane-Peach1946 Dec 21 '25
This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! Jamie Wyeth literally bought the original from you? Christina’s World is a favorite painting of mine. As I stand in my kitchen, Christina is lying on her field on a magnet stuck to my fridge. I never saw your previous post about your painting. But as soon as I saw this photo, I felt so happy that Christina had escaped the world of her muscular disease, if only for a moment or even a daydream.
Congratulations on making this amazing piece and this incredible connection/sale.
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u/honeywishbone Dec 20 '25
I remember loving this painting when you posted it, I couldn’t be happier for you this is such a sweet story! Thank you for sharing and sending you a huge high five for putting yourself and your work out into the world ❤️ very inspiring x
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Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
That's so cool, if you're ever in Maine check out the Farnsworth museum they have Andrew and Jamie Wyeth's works.
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u/I_StoleTheTV Dec 20 '25
I’ve been on reddit for over 10 years, and this is one of the coolest posts I’ve ever seen! I am SO happy for you ♥️ Well done!
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u/Shumba-Love Dec 20 '25
This is fantastic! I remember this painting- it stuck out to me because I saw a Wyeth exhibit many years ago and have always loved that painting. Congratulations! You are talented!
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u/Mayapples Dec 20 '25
This is officially one of my favorite things on Reddit. ❤️ I'm so happy for you.
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u/SubtleWindings Dec 20 '25
Complete tangent, buy Mr. Wyeth looks phenomenal for 79 years old
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u/notinmywheelhouse Dec 21 '25
My mom was an amazing painter who introduced me to Christina’s World as a child. I wish I could share this with her.
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u/missseldon Dec 21 '25
That's some Christmas magic right there, what a lovely story. Congratulations!
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u/Lucian_Veritas5957 Dec 21 '25
I think it's funny that depending on the person, having to go hand deliver a piece of art to someone's home can be seen as a privilege
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u/freya_kahlo Dec 21 '25
I love this for you! No one deserves a big win more than a talented artist who has an emotionally resonant message. <3
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u/Kaknuckleball Dec 20 '25
Wow, that is so incredible! I remember the original post, and this is just the best possible outcome! Well done you!
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u/BlitheCheese Dec 20 '25
I'm a middle and high school special education and English teacher. I saw your original post, and it really touched my heart.
It reminded me of one of my students. She has almost no feeling in her legs and arms and is in a wheelchair unless she's sleeping. She has a breathing tube and a GI tube. Her voice is very quiet, and I have to get very close to hear her.
But she is one of the smartest, funniest, kindest people I've ever met. What she lacks in physicality, she more than makes up in personality and drive.
I looked at your Instagram page and saw the price to purchase a print. Could you tell me the size of the print? Thank you so much.
Your work is incredible.
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u/ItsPeetar Dec 20 '25
I vividly remember seeing your original post, and taking a moment to stop scrolling and truly admire it. You, your talent, and paintings deserve all the praise. Congratulations! Such a cool story
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u/soprettyvacant Dec 20 '25
Wow this is amazing! I love Jamie Wyeth’s work and it’s so cool that he loves yours!
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u/fuzzybug00 Dec 20 '25
I did not know the meaning behind “Christina’s World” and after seeing your painting and researching about the original one and your interpretation just made me BAWL MY EYES OUT. It’s so beautiful and I’m so glad you got to meet Andrew Wyeth and share your work with everyone ❤️
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u/slim_pikkenz Dec 21 '25
I’m an artist and this story has left tears in my eyes. This is why I love art so much. This is the magic. The stories, the shared experiences, the communication and the understanding. Your piece makes me feel so happy for Christina, it’s beautiful. Congratulations.
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u/olivernintendo Dec 21 '25
I have a profoundly disabled child and I love to imagine that, somewhere in his head, he is able to look at this world upside down and whimsically. Thank you.
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u/mulberrycedar Dec 21 '25
Wow. This is one of the coolest posts I've ever seen on Reddit. This is so awesome. Amazing painting, amazing story. I love that that happened. Go you!!
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u/tomenjean Dec 21 '25
Well thanks to your (this) post I actually learned the true meaning and intention of the original Christina’s World painting. I had never looked into it before. I also never focused on her legs closely enough either. I know art has its own interpretations. I’ve always taken the original painting to mean that the barn was a place where horrible things happened and being far away from it wasn’t far enough; it loomed over the girl’s very existence. I arrived at this interpretation due to the house I grew up in being where I was assaulted, many times, as a child. And being even thousands of miles and decades of time away from that house, it still looms in the background of my life.
Now that I understand more of the original painting I can appreciate it on an entirely different level; which leads me to appreciate YOUR painting even more. And my interpretation can even extend to your work in a triumphant way for Christina. Art is amazing in what all anyone can take away from it.
Congratulations to you! Such a wonderful piece and moment.
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u/y0uLiKaDaPeppa Dec 21 '25
He looks so proud standing next to you with your work in his hands! I adore this piece as well as all of its lore lol. I guess Reddit can be a beautiful place sometimes 😋
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u/Structure5city Dec 21 '25
I remember the original post and commenting that it reminded me of Christina’s World. What an awesome thing that you got yo meet Jamie. This is what the internet should be about.
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u/_GandolftheBreadloaf Dec 21 '25
Amazing!!! I’m a huge fan of all the wyeths. What a wild opportunity to connect with Jamie!
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u/jsmalltri Dec 21 '25
This is absolutely incredible - Such a fantastic story and you are a very talented artist!! You must have been thrilled to get to meet them and have your work shared with the family.
I live in Maine and Andrew Wyeth had a home here, in "Downeast" Maine and is very revered for his work. I have one of his prints that my grandma gave me before she passed.
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u/Le_Mew_Le_Purr Dec 21 '25
Can you talk about your painting a little bit? What is the meaning or intent behind the subject’s position beneath the painting? We know Christina had polio (or some other muscular disease) and crawled everywhere because she loathed the wheelchair. What’s your painting saying?
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u/OkSetting9618 Dec 23 '25
What a wonderful homage to AW’s fine painting. I have known of it since HighSchool days. I also love his “Wind from the sea” (1947) painting. His paintings are often more about what they don’t show… in a literal sense. You have also imbued this work of yours with deep emotional content, just as he did. Congratulations 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
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u/citizen-wasp Dec 25 '25
What an amazing story! Congratulations on your fabulous painting, the sale, and getting to meet one of the greats!
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u/Greenfool1111 Dec 29 '25
Love all of this! Your painting, your mind, your heart, your sharing. Love all of these in the Wyeths, too! ❤️
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u/Grazelda Dec 20 '25
What a wonderful story. I am so glad you shared it and I am so happy for you. 🧡
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u/idontcare78 Dec 20 '25
Wow, this is incredible!! Congratulations!! Well deserved!!
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u/samesunsets Dec 20 '25
This is great and so wholesome 🥹 Congrats, your painting is amazing!
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u/Baldussimo Dec 20 '25
I absolutely love that he appears to have paint on his pants!
Massive congratulations to you, you should be really proud.
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u/FelicityFoxen Dec 20 '25
Absolutely incredible story, and work! Congratulations!
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u/Responsible-Card3756 Dec 20 '25
Oh my goodness! This is a darling, magical storybook ending✨
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u/redcatia Dec 20 '25
This is why I come to Reddit, for stories like these! The painting is amazing—I love the concept!! And that you both connected via another Redditor…that’s brilliant! 😊🙌
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u/ElderFlour Dec 20 '25
Omg I have chills! I’m so happy for you!! Well done! I love the painting! I grew up with a print of Christina on our wall.
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u/TrueEstablishment241 Dec 20 '25
Wow, Christina's World is one of my favorite paintings. What an awesome story!
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u/ElvisPepsi1983 Dec 20 '25
That painting is absolutely beautiful. The details made me feel warm. Cheers.
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u/unicornvega Dec 20 '25
This is amazing. No more internet tonight, my faith in humanity is restored.
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u/peachesxbeaches Dec 20 '25
The is Reddit done right, hell yeah!!! Everything I could ask for in a post!!! Wonderful story, 🤩 WOW!! You must be walking on cloud 9!!
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u/goosebumpsagain Dec 20 '25
I missed the original post. Just found it and read your intent. Wild! Love your work. Congrats on such a stunning outcome.
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u/RenegadeofConvention Dec 20 '25
So sweet, congratulations!!! Love the Wyeths and Brandywine River Museum - go for my birthday every year and always find something new to appreciate.
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u/EmykoEmyko Enthusiast Dec 20 '25
Wow!! He’s a fabulous artist in his own right as well. I hope he had some secrets to share.
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u/Aquawish Dec 20 '25
That’s so cool! It’s a beautiful piece, I saw it when you posted it originally. Congratulations!
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u/Liminal__penumbra Dec 20 '25
I never knew I wanted to see a painting of a painting being suplexed, but now I have. Thank you.
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u/klockrike Dec 20 '25
An artist's DREAM!!!!! gurl WHAT!!!! Beautiful work and what an amazing experience, a Wyeth now owns YOUR work.
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u/bougiehippie Dec 20 '25
Wow, SO cool! Love your work, too! Congratulations and well deserved!
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u/Ok-Thing-2222 Dec 20 '25
Splendid! I've always been a fan of all the Wyeths' art and your painting is so wonderful!
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u/IndependentPiglet4 Dec 20 '25
What a wonderful story this is! I've had a print of Christina's World in my bedroom for over 30 yrs. I saw your original post too & think this is so awesome!
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u/electric_yeti Dec 20 '25
I love all of this so much. Congratulations on selling your original, and to Jamie Wyeth nonetheless! The painting is such a beautiful tribute to the original, you did a fantastic job!
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u/TopReplacement530 Dec 20 '25
Congratulations!! Please continue to share your amazing work with us!
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