“From This Day Forward”
Watercolour [with saved whites] 1/2 sheet
Copyright 2009 Jean Burman
From this day forward. It’s a lot to promise isn’t it?
That’s… forever…
and how can anyone possibly promise forever?
Forever is a very long time.
But the funny thing is… people do it all the time! Promise… that is.
And that’s a very good thing.
Because the world is blessed a little bit more each time they do.
Last Wednesday a lovely bride passed by me as I painted at the Reef House. A stiff breeze whipped her veil into a frenzy as she strode purposefully toward the beach… her waiting husband… and a brand new life. She looked radiant. So full of joy and optimism!
I caught only a glimpse… but that was enough to inspire this painting. Of course… this is not actually her… for “I did but see her passing by”. But this was the impression left when she had gone. I often paint from memory… or more correctly… from the “feeling” of a memory… assisted of course by 20/20 imaginative insight… and making it up as I go! So this is what I came up with.
My daughter expressed surprise that I was painting brides [at all]. But I was swift to point out that I had no problem with the institution of marriage. Just with people who make promises they can’t keep! [grin]
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
This couple recently married on the Great Barrier Reef!
Click here to read the story
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Lovely painting, Jean, and lovely thoughts. I married my wife twice, first time in 1970 in Rome and then again 35 years later in the U.S. The second time the promise seemed easier to keep.
Thanks John
I was a little anxious about achieving the transparency of the veil… and the illusion of bulk in the fabric [relying on the bare white paper for the whites and negative painting the shadows] but it turned out okay I think. Anyway I was relatively happy with it. [grin]
Love the painting. Love the sentiment. Love the analysis. I was married twice. First one was my high school sweetheart and I thought it would last forever. Although we had two lovely children from that union, the marriage did not last forever. We parted after 16 years. Four years later I married my true soul mate. We had a lovely union for the next 16 years but it ended with his death. Now eight years beyond that, I have chosen to remain single and focus on painting. Maybe I’m happier for it. (smile)
Hi Vernita
Yes I can certainly understand that. A love so perfect doesn’t come along every day. As for remaining single… [call me ridiculous]… but I have always loved that breakup line from “You’ve got Mail”. You know the part where Frank (Greg Kinnear) is breaking up with Kathleen (Meg Ryan) and asks “And what about you… is there someone else?” Her answer “No… but there’s the dream of someone else” [I think] says it all. Love is nothing if not ever hopeful that the right person is out there somewhere (((LOL)))