Shelley, by Adele (Betty) Watts of Pacific Grove, California

This gorgeous painting of my sister was painted from a photo taken by my father's cousin, David Watts. He is a talented photographer in his own right and was quite taken with Shelley as a model. His wife Betty, mostly retired from being an artist now they are both well into their 80s, painted this portrait from one of David's photos.

They gave it to our family this year, via Mike Fowler (Watts) who is a recently-discovered half-brother to David, and thus my father's cousin as well. The Fowlers have connected with the Watts family and recently visited both their family in California and then came to BC for a visit on their way back to Britain.

Words can't express how valuable this painting is to our family!