Legacy Painting

A Lasting Tribute to Life
A treasured gift

The Legacy Painting Project is a transformative, collaborative experience designed for individuals with a life limiting illness, in palliative care or experiencing end-of-life. Partnering with a professional artist, participants co-create a cherished, museum-quality artwork that serves as a powerful expression of their legacy. This deeply personal process not only promotes wellbeing for the client but also results in a meaningful heirloom; one that will be proudly displayed and passed down through generations. More than just a painting, this artwork becomes a source of comfort for loved ones, offering a lasting tribute that honours a life well-lived while providing solace during bereavement.

Client Journey

A Case Study with Rose and Caroline

Getting to Know Each Other

"It’s lovely to meet you, Rose," Caroline says as they sit in the quiet, well-lit studio at the community health centre.

Rose smiles, unfolding some of her sketches. "I brought these to share with you. I’ve always loved drawing."

Caroline looks through the sketches with admiration. "These are wonderful, Rose. I’d love to help you create a personalised legacy painting. It will be a collaborative process, and I’ll be here to support you every step of the way."

"That sounds perfect," Rose replies.

Caroline explains the timing and anticipated outcomes. "We can complete this over about eight sessions, spread across a month, with some painting homework in between. It will be a beautiful and meaningful journey."

Rose nods eagerly. "I would really love to do this for my family."

They both review the ethical details and, with a mutual sense of excitement, co-sign the painting agreement.

Creating a Vision

"Tell me, Rose, what would you like this painting to represent?" Caroline asks.

Rose’s face lights up. "Bruny Island. It’s my favourite place in the world. I’ve spent so many summers there, sketching the ocean from my family’s shack, surrounded by friends and family. The summer breeze, the sound of the waves—it’s all so peaceful."

Caroline listens intently. "That’s a beautiful memory. We could create an abstract landscape that captures the essence of Bruny Island, symbolising peace, the ebb and flow of life, and the beauty of change."

Rose nods. "That sounds exactly right."

Caroline shows examples of her work. "We can go for something more ephemeral and abstract or something more structured with detailed elements."

Rose studies the examples thoughtfully. "I think an abstract landscape feels right. I want it to feel like a memory, something fluid and timeless."

They discuss colours. "Muted golds and blues," Rose suggests. "Something soft and continuous, like the tide."

Caroline smiles. "Perfect. Let’s schedule our eight painting sessions—two each week—and plan for extra development between sessions as needed."

Brainstorming Concepts

Rose flips through her art journal, sketching as she speaks. "I see tidal flow, rolling hills, and the distant horizon. That’s how I remember it."

Caroline watches as Rose outlines her ideas. "This is a strong composition. We’ll refine it as we go, but you’ve already captured the essence beautifully."

"I’d love to include notes about what each element means to me," Rose says.

"Great idea," Caroline agrees. "We can compile these into an artist statement to accompany the final piece."

Musing over Materials

"I think acrylic paints on linen would work best," Caroline suggests. "They're safe, quite easy to use and and wash up in water"

Rose nods. "Yes, and I love the way acrylics layer, especially with transparent medium."

They discuss the format. "A diptych—two panels, 100cm by 50cm each, joined together into a single artwork," Caroline proposes.

Rose smiles. "I love that. It feels like a reflection of life—pieces coming together."

Caroline shows examples of how she’s integrated text into past work. "We can incorporate some of your handwriting into the painting using stencils or screen prints."

Rose runs her fingers over an example. "That would make it feel even more personal. Let’s do it."

Picturing Emotions

During the planning sessions, Rose shares stories. "I used to bush walk with my family, sail on the Channel, and stay up late watching the aurora dance across the sky." Words simply can't capture the beauty and awe I felt.

Rose notes these memories in her journal and makes simple abstract lines and shapes in different colours that capture the sensations she recalls.

Caroline nods. "These moments will shape the painting. We’ll weave them into the colours and composition."

After the session, they compare and share notes.

"I’ll practice painting on the final materials before we start the full piece," Rose says.

"Great plan," Caroline responds. "Next session, let’s aim for a small-scale sample of the final artwork."

Painting Feelings into Forms

Caroline lays out the linen panels. "One piece for each of us," she says. We can work independently and then collaborate across both sections when we come together again. Caroline demonstrates techniques. "How about we start with loose sketching, then building the underpainting with colour." Caroline shows how to mask layers using torn pieces of paper.

Rose experiments, tearing stencil shapes to create loose landscape forms. "This feels so freeing," she says, smiling.

As they paint, emotions and memories surface.

"I remember sitting with my mother, watching the waves," Rose murmurs. She pauses, wiping a tear away.

Caroline gently reassures her. "These memories are part of the process. They’ll bring so much depth to the piece."

She suggests Rose makes visual notes with simple abstract shapes and lines in her journal to record the shape of the memory.

Between sessions, they continue working independently, sharing updates.

Immortalising Identity

Caroline steps back, admiring their nearly completed painting. "This is breathtaking, Rose."

"It needs something more," Rose says thoughtfully.

Caroline nods. "How about a quote? Something meaningful to you."

Rose brightens. "Orhan Pamuk’s words: ‘Painting is the silence of thought and the music of sight.’ It connects to my mother, who was from Turkey."

Caroline helps Rose create a stencil of the quote. "We’ll weave this through the painting," she says.

Rose also stencils in her initials, floating across the surface. "Now it feels truly mine."

Caroline adds the final touches with a protective varnish and arranges for the piece to be stretched and framed.

Family Reveal

The day arrives for the unveiling. Rose’s family gathers around. She takes a deep breath. "This painting is my story, my memories, and my love for all of you."

Her children and grandchildren admire the piece. "It’s beautiful, Mum," Sena whispers.

Tears and smiles fill the room. "Thank you for sharing this with us, " Jemal adds.

Everlasting Legacy

The painting finds its home in Rose’s residence, becoming a focal point for conversations and reflection.

"I feel so at peace," Rose says one day. "This process helped me focus on the beauty of my life."

Her healthcare team notices a change. "She seems lighter, more engaged," they note.

After Rose’s passing, the painting remains with her family, a cherished heirloom.

"Whenever I look at it, I feel Mum’s presence," Sena says.

A legacy of love, resilience, and artistry; forever preserved on canvas.

For further information on the
Legacy Painting Project contact:
Dr.Caroline Rannersberger
caroline@carolinerannersberger.com

Project Partners

Palliative Care Tasmania

Social Justice Communications Pty Ltd

Legacy Painting A Lasting Tribute to Life A treasured gift