Limited
Edition Collector Plate Series
By
Terry Redlin
"American Portrait"
Seven Plate Series
Plate Size: 9 1/4" Diameter
(Also available in 8 1/4" plates)
1-800-569-8118
$49.95 each
Plus
Shipping and Sales Tax if Applicable
* Plate Rails Not Included
(Plate rails sold separately)
Complete Series of Seven Plates
$349.65
Plus Shipping
and Sales Tax if Applicable
American Portrait Plate Series
by Terry Redlin
Embark
on a journey through the life of a young boy and his family
in a timeless world created from the memories and imagination
of Terry Redlin. These heartwarming images are a touching
compilation of our shared experiences, superbly communicating
the essence of the American spirit. This
is the seven plate "American Portrait" series.
9-1/4" diameter. Collage design with 23K gold filigree
border and golden accents. Gift boxed. Certificate of Authenticity. It
is offered in new mint condition and will come in the
original box.
The
story begins with the American dream of home ownership
as a young family moves from the farm into town. Their
fixer-upper needs some tender love and care, but for
now it is moving day. As they unpack the truck, they
look forward to a whole new life for themselves and
their young son. In this first scene, the young boy
has a great surprise. He has just met his first friend, "Buddy." Terry
Redlin remembers a similar move before first grade. "My
dog was an orphan my parents found at a dance. I named
him Bootsie, because he had four dark paws. Bootsie
was my first friend."
It's
autumn. Falling leaves color the ground as they float
through the quiet stillness of the morning. The old
house has undergone a noticeable transformation. As
the school bus pulls around the corner, the mother
gently tries to coax her young son out of his Radio
Flyer, but he doesn't want to leave the comfort of
his mother's arms, the safety of his yard, or his trusted
friend, "Buddy." The youngster will soon
take that first step onto the bus, leaving, for the
first time, the security of home.
"Mother
and child both experience the tensions of growing up." Each
painting leads us deeper into the lives of this young
American family. We watch them grow just like the trees
around the neighborhood. As the full moon begins to
rise, shadows dance across the yard. The new lamp posts
illuminate the streets as the ground fog settles in.
It is Halloween. In this scene, we are reminded of
the nervousness of "young love." The boy
has a visitor. She decided to tag along in "Daddy's
Caddy" while her Dad takes her brothers and sisters
trick-or-treating. As the boy and girl sit side-by-side
on the front porch, Mom knows this is her son's "first
date." This must be the girl whose initials have
recently appeared in the heart-shaped carving on the
tree just below the tree house, his "Private Club." Keeping
an eye on the two, Mom offers a tray of refreshments.
Her baby is growing up. His dog, Buddy, has already
given his approval. The family loves their neighborhood
and the life they have built.
It's
a proud day. We have watched this boy grow into a young
man. We have experienced with him the trials and tribulations
of many firsts and today, his parents could not be
more pleased to announce their son's graduation from
high school. The car out front is the "victory
car" with the treasured teddy tied to the hood.
The bear as well as Buddy, his dog, have been with
him every step of the way. The graduate will soon go
off to college and the preparations have already begun.
His bicycle is up on the rack. Mom remembers how he
mastered the art of "throwing papers" on
his paper route from that very bicycle. The tree house
is gone and his "Private Club" above the
garage is all closed up. For this special occasion,
Mom, like always, has been working to keep her yard
looking its best - the greenest in the neighborhood!
As Mom, Dad, our young man, and his girlfriend pose
on the front porch, we see that this is a snapshot
from many of our own lives.
In
this, the fifth painting in "An American Portrait," Terry
Redlin captures the lonely, icy stillness of a winter's
night and the peaceful, quiet joy of "His First
Homecoming." Our young man's new independence
has not overshadowed his deep sense of family. It's
only been a few months since he went away to school,
but he is lonesome and homesick. As he pulls up to
the snow-packed curb, the neighborhood sleeps. The
only sound is the crunch of snow beneath his boots
and the thump, thump, thump of Buddy's tail on the
sidewalk. His arrival is unexpected. The cat patiently
sits by the doorstep as our young man reunites with
his dog. As he hugs his trusted friend, the steady
way of his tail tells us that Buddy has been waiting
to see him, too. The full moon brightens the night
sky; and tucked in, under a blanket of freshly fallen
snow, his home awaits. Colorfully wrapped packages
and a freshly cut evergreen will soon surprise his
family. This will be a special holiday season for
them all. In this painting, we are reminded of the
peacefulness, the safety, and the comforts of home.
"A
mother and child experience one of life's proudest
moments." As the American flag hangs motionless,
we watch with heavy hearts as this family prepares
for "His First Good-bye." Our young man has
joined the military. Although filled with a great sense
of pride, this day brings mixed emotions for Mom and
Dad. His desire to serve his Country is honorable and
his commitment true. As the taxi waits, Dad fumbles
with his hands in his pockets, unsure of how to tell
his son how proud he is and how much he loves him.
Theirs has always been a quiet, unspoken bond. Mom,
while trying to maintain her composure, is finding
it difficult to smile for the picture. Tied to the
flagpole with his teddy bear near, Buddy watches carefully
as his friend says good-bye. As he takes another look
around, he remembers growing up here. His first friend,
his first day, his first date! So many memories. He
glances over at his car. Dad helped him put it up on
blocks. It will remain there until he returns.
