"Bow Down", 36 x 24, Acrylic on canvas.  

"Bow Down", 36 x 24, Acrylic on canvas.

Last summer I grew some sunflowers, quite unexpectecly, because a friend gave me a packet of seeds (thanks Andy!). I tossed about 50 seeds into the dirt, and watered them when I remembered. Magically…sunflowers grew! Not all 50 (which was probably a good thing), but about 8-10 sturdy plants. By mid-June, they began to flower in magnificent 6- to 12-inch blooms of cadmium yellow, orange and red oxide booms! Amazing! They attracted bees and birds, and brought me great pleasure every day as I looked out my window each morning. 

I took lots of pictures. I didn’t really intend to paint them…I was going to paint food this year…but they captured my imagination. Maybe just one painting; OK…one more. I began to see the amazing geometry within them. Ancient Roman road tiles must have been laid to mimic their seed patterns. They mirror the sun with their bright faces as they follow it across the sky each day. Their colors perfectly compliment the balmy mid-summer sky during their flowering season. Just by “being”, they are perfect. So, how might that change the world? Only God knows for sure. But I was reminded that without doing anything, I am already perfect in God’s eyes. I was moved to create something tangible from that intention. Maybe my art will inspire you. It might cause you to see or experience a moment differently…perhaps next time you see sunflowers yourself. And you might bring light to someone else’s world because of it. Who knows. They are amazing, aren’t they?

 

"Prelude to Glory", 12 x 24, Acrylic on canvas.

"Prelude to Glory", 12 x 24, Acrylic on canvas.

These paintings can be seen at Avalon Yoga in Palo Alto, CA until May 1, 2009. After that, you may be able to view them at the Saratoga Rotary Art Show (May 3), and at my Open Studio on May 9-10. Please see details at my website!