Lady in Pink

"Lady in Pink" painting by Alton R. Lowe

The first time I saw “Mama” she was climbing out of a jitney in front of the Nassau Beach Hotel where she worked. She had kind eyes and a warm smile so I said, “Good morning.” She replied, “Good morning, my darling.” That was the beginning of our friendship. I learned that “Mama” was originally from Abaco, but had moved to Nassau to find work. She owned a small house and (I learned later) had a beautiful garden in which she grew both flowers and fruit trees.

One day I asked “Mama” if she would allow me to paint her portrait and she agreed. That day she was wearing the lovely pink dress you see in the painting. A year later I returned to Nassau for my annual exhibition with her portrait which I entitled “Lady in Pink.” I like to think that I captured the natural dignity and warmth which was the hallmark of that generation of Bahamians. As I look back, it seems to me those were the days when life was more gracious, less hurried, and when we Bahamians had a genuine feeling that we were all one family.

“Mama” loved the painting, telling friends and family that it was done by her “Abaco cousin.” What a charming lady. To this day, her “Good morning, my darling,” makes me smile in fond remembrance of a time long gone by. - Alton