On May 14 (the day before my 70th birthday), my husband was delivering one of my 6-part polyptych art canvases on top of his van, which he thought was securely tied down, along highway 33 to the CSUCI Ventura gallery when he heard an awful sound. A gust of wind completely blew one part off into the brush and the second was smashed. He phoned me to come help him look for the missing part. From the car we found nothing. I sent him home with the remains and walked along the road for a mile or two. A stranger stopped and asked if I was alright. Not too often do you see anyone walking this dangerous stretch of highway. I told him the story and sent him on his way. Later, a Highway Patrol Officer stopped and looked at me questioningly. I spoke first, as cars were whizzing past, “You probably wonder what I’m doing out here!!” Listening carefully, he firmly stated I couldn’t be here and advised me to leave. Thereafter, I must have perused that highway several times, by car— seeing nothing familiar.

A week later, I noticed Cal Trans workers picking up trash along that stretch of road. My husband phoned them and gave the circumstances of a lost oil painting. As a result, on Friday the following week, I received a call from ‘Eric’ at Cal Trans. He said he had just found my painting and would deliver it in person. He was here within 10 minutes and smiling ear to ear, as we both were. I couldn’t thank him and Cal Trans enough. I just can’t believe it. I even wish to thank the Highway Patrol Officer who may have prevented further incident and the stranger who seemed concerned for my welfare. In addition, I’m so thankful that no one was hurt or injured when thatloose canvas went flying off into the unknown. I am truly blessed.

Gwenlyn

gwenlynsgallery.com
You can view the painting on my web site under
Mixed Media
5' x 7'
Title: Heavy Breakfast