Artist Tim Tryon has created a painting in memory of Lane Graves, the toddler who was attacked and drowned by an alligator on a small beach at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort last week. The self-taught artist says he created the painting, titled “Sweet Lane”, after hearing about the tragedy and shared the image on Facebook. It has received hundreds of shares and supportive comments.
“I created the painting because I was grieving for them. I wanted to grieve with them. I wasn’t trying to make something for the family, or to raise awareness, but to express sorrow for them – and perhaps some hope and peace. I’m humbled by everyone’s reaction to a small gesture,” says Tryon.
The artist, who is an active duty member of the military, told Phantom Sway that he takes his wife and children to Disney World every year. He said, “Disney is a home to us because the military moves us but Disney doesn’t move. The guests and cast are like family when we’re there. When [the tragedy] happened we couldn’t shake the sorrow for this family. Our boys are four and two. We have stood on that same beach.”
Tryon says he is not actively trying to reach the family or promote the painting in any way. A few people have reached out to encourage him to share the image with the media or with a Disney representative, but he doesn’t think that’s appropriate. “This is their tragedy. This is their time,” says Tryon. “I just wanted to paint something because I was grieving for them.”
A larger version of the painting can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below.
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