The Story Of This Painting.

I completed this painting in December of 2020. That year COVID-19 took off, the world shut down, people were encouraged to stay in their homes, business closed, schools went virtual, and vaccines were not yet available for emergency use here in the US.

It was a crazy time.

In the middle of 2020 I told my wife that I had an idea for a COVID painting, and she said no, no, I'm sick of COVID and I don't want to look at a COVID painting forever.

I had been inspired to do this painting when I saw a 1894 sculpture that William Story had made for the grave of his wife Emelyn at the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. He called it "The Angel of Grief Weeping Over the Dismantled Altar of Life."

You can read more about this sculpture on this Wikipedia page: Angel of Grief.

In my version, instead of the Angel weeping and draped over a tomb, she is draped over and enveloped by the COVID-19 virus. A Guardian Angel striving to protect humanity form the COVID-19 virus.

I usually have a lot of detail in my neo-pointillist paintings to create a photo realistic impressionist painting. In this piece I purposely made the Angel almost ghostlike with very little detail.

Exhibition History:

• 2023 - Winner 'Merit Award' Museum of Arts & Sciences "Florida Artist Group" Group Exhibition Daytona, FL
• 2022 - Gallery500 Exhibit "The New Normal" Daytona Beach, FL
• 2021 - Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center "Overcoming the Challenge" Juried Exhibition Ormond Beach, FL
• 2021 - Saint Augustine Art Association "Members Spring Exhibition" Saint Augustine, FL
• 2021 - CityArts Juried Exhibit "Hindsight 2020 Exhibition" Orlando, FL
• 2021 - Winner 'Achievement Award' Art League of Daytona Beach Juried Exhibit "2021 Annual Members Exhibition" Daytona, FL

02/05/21

Here is a short 1 min video that shows the 3D kinetic aspects of this painting.

Selected Comments:

• It's beautiful. And it made me cry."
• "Without a doubt this is one of the most awe inspiring pieces you have created Bob, am just about in tears."
• "Wow this is my favorite piece of yours. It’s so incredibly touching. Isn’t it amazing how an image can express so much. Just wonderful and truly heartfelt."
• "Powerful piece, so many weeping"
• "Wow..that is powerful Robert. Beautifully executed."
• "You have described "A Guardian Angel striving to protect humanity from COVID 19" very well in this unique piece. I am feeling the deep empathy through this while reflecting on all those who have expressed exhaustion, fear, strength fighting this as patients, healthcare providers & families who unfortunately faced the sorrow."
• "Absolutely Gorgeous!"
• "Very moving"
• "excellence worthy of a museum's collection...."
• "Wow this is so beautiful and powerful. I hope this goes in a museum or somewhere for many people to appreciate..."
• "Powerful message. Beautiful!"
• "Yes very powerful. Congratulations on this fine and emotional work."
• "Beautiful, mystical & magical!"
• "Stunning and powerful."
• "No words!"
• "Powerful & beautiful!"
• "Incredible! I'm so impressed!"
• "That is moving and beautiful."
• "Extraordinary!! Robert you continue to amaze!!!"