The Blue Boy (c. 1770) is an oil painting by Thomas Gainsborough. Perhaps Gainsborough’s most famous work, it is thought to be a portrait of Jonathan Buttall …

To me…the Blue Boy was always something that hung in my grandparents farmhouse.  I had no idea why….for years.  Kids are like that aren’t they?  You just know that things are familiar when you are young and don’t really question their presence.  Ahhh…the simplicity of youth.

When we built our own home I remembered Blue Boy.  He had long since been stashed in a spare bedroom closet in my grandparents brick home in town.  They had sold the farm several years before.  I actually drove by the farm a few days ago.  It will always have a special place in my heart.

So would you like to know why Blue Boy is in my possession?  I kind of left that unfinished.  Are you wondering why I cherish this print of this little guy in satin clothing?  I will tell you why.

When my dad was a teenager…his sister, who is a few years older,  had a job.  She worked at a department store here in our hometown.  I guess since she was making a little money they decided to decorate his bedroom.  (Are we seeing some decorating genetics surfacing here?)  Low and behold…they painted my dad’s bedroom….navy blue.  I wish that I could have seen it…or rather…pictures of it.  My aunt purchased the Blue Boy print to hang in his room. ( They were also into spraying gold spots on furniture to “antique” it.  I think that it’s great.  I love creativity.)

So…there you have it.  My Blue Boy print hangs in our entry right now. (I got permission to bring him out to our own farmhouse.) I love his blue duds with the white wall behind.  Blue is actually my favorite color.  I wonder if Blue Boy influenced me with his shiny blue clothes…all those years ago?  Thanks Blue Boy print.  You are a treasure…that is probably only worth something…to me.

Thank you for stopping by, Dirt Road Friends!  I would love to hear about some of your wonderful or quirky treasures.  Your comments DELIGHT me! Leave me a comment or twelve.  😉

Have a wonderful weekend!