In Memorian

I hope your day will bring you the peace and calm that you need right now.


"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm."
-Claire Nuer

Today's painting is "Lillies and Koi". It is a re-post of an older painting from a few years ago - but is dedicated to a friend who passed from this life today(Wednesday as I write this). This view is actually a small version of a very large tryptych (three big panels making one huge painting) that she had purchased from me a while back. It is the focal point of how we met.....and began an interesting friendship. I told her of how I was interrupted in the process of painting this work by a horrible car accident leaving me with severe injuries that took many long months to heal. The work was 30"x60" large for me at the time! Months later, after I healed, I was able to finish what I had begun....and it became a symbol of strength for me....that I had survived this thing. She came across it in my on-line sales and contacted me. When I told her the story, she was amazed, she too had survived a horrible car accident, yet had severely debilitating, painful injuries that did not heal....that would affect the remainder of her life. She told me she found such peace and calm from this painting, she had to have it. So there began our email friendship of writing. She had collected many paintings from me over time, but I really looked forward to her emails in my inbox. She challenged my thinking in so many good ways. And truly made me believe that art CAN change the world for the better, even if just one person at a time....AND she'd remind me - don't ignore your calling!

I believe in serendipity....and that God will have certain people come into our lives for a reason. We need to pay attention and be open to the possibility that these can be life changing....and a true blessing. I know my friend's passing will leave a hole in my days to come - I will truly miss her.