Flowers for Janice

Acrylic painting 19" x 23" I sent flowers to a dear friend as a loving gesture during her recovery after a major surgery. She sent me a photo when she received them. Flowers are a nice gesture, but they don’t last. I decided to create a painting of her flowers, something with more longevity. The arrangement contained sunflowers, so I decided to try to paint them in a style similar to Van Gogh. During this process, I thought of Vincent and his life’s struggles. All his career efforts ended as failures before he dedicated himself to painting. He still did not find success. His life was filled with constant rejection and non-acceptance, but he refused to give up. I often thought it was because he desperately wanted to be loved and appreciated, something I know all too well. While working on this painting I learned something about myself. I don’t know if it was also true for Vincent or not, but I originally thought I painted for the same reasons that Vincent did, to be loved. I know now that is not the reason. I paint not to be loved but because I love. I paint because I want this love to last long after I have left this planet. So I have painted these flowers for Janice, my friend. They are imperfect, non-photographic, similar to how Vincent would paint them, a symbol of love. A love created by my hand with a message that will last long after I am gone. Thank you for being my friend. I love you.