Rosalie Denton, an Addison Township resident for more than 30 years, has enjoyed the freedom that comes not only with retirement, but also from being an American. Having worked in the insurance business for several years, Denton recently discovered she has a knack for something else: painting. Denton recently used this new found talent to gift Addison Township with a painting which will grace the township hall for years to come, leaving her mark in the community she calls home.
Just before the holidays, Denton walked into Addison Township hall with her painting of an American Flag which is the size of a sliding door — exactly what Denton used as her canvas.
“I had to figure out the size and make sure I had a board big enough to do it. I cut my own stars out and then, of course, measuring where everything had to go was the hardest part. You want to make sure (the stars) and stripes are correct,” she said.
The flag, with its deep, rich colors and rustic feel took Denton about two weeks to complete after developing the idea and picking up the door from Habitat for Humanity. She created a template for the stars she cut out and painted individually and experimented with different stains and colors as she went along.
“I wanted it to look kind of rustic and old, that’s why I deepened the colors of the edges,” she said. Once Denton was happy with her work, she put an epoxy finish on it to complete the project.
“The reason for the flag is because I’m proud to be living in the United States,” Denton said. As she developed this talent over the past two years, Denton painted flags of different sizes and styles, such as camouflage. However, this particular painting was different. When looking closely to the bottom right corner of the painting, spectators will learn who the real inspiration was behind the painting: Corporal Keith Denton, USMC, Denton’s late son.
As someone who is deeply patriotic, Denton wanted to do her part to show why she is proud to be an American. “Especially at this time in our country’s history, I mean, the flag is our symbol and we’re really proud of that,” she said. “When you see what all of these service people (do) and what they give up, it’s hard to deny that.”
Denton also sells some of her work. Those interested in a painting can contact her via email at jdenton153@gmail.com.