“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
