An acrylic on canvas 8 by 10
inches, I thought, what is the best way to enjoy autumn, living in a
place where not much green is seen, well, by creating one from memory! Here I go
with my bright yellows and oranges, the time spent on this one was really joyful.
As a coincidence, when I finished this painting, I got a phone call from my 88 years old aunt who lives in the US, after many months of no contact. She was sounding excited that she made a call to talk to me to catch up with my life, '' Dont keep the phone down too soon dear, I want to talk to you today for hours, it is always a pleasure to listen to you, but probably this will be the last conversation I will have with you for this life time! I have lead a full life and it is time for me to go!" (Seems she is in the advanced stage of her terminal illness, her days numbered). She went on with her conversation with so much of zest and enthusiasm, it amazed me! Well, I thought, she probably feels like those bright, colorful leaves looking so cheerful till they fall.
Quoting John Burroughs, " How beautifully leaves grow old.How full of light and color are their last days", it probably holds good for few people like my aunt, but I pray it holds good for all.
As a coincidence, when I finished this painting, I got a phone call from my 88 years old aunt who lives in the US, after many months of no contact. She was sounding excited that she made a call to talk to me to catch up with my life, '' Dont keep the phone down too soon dear, I want to talk to you today for hours, it is always a pleasure to listen to you, but probably this will be the last conversation I will have with you for this life time! I have lead a full life and it is time for me to go!" (Seems she is in the advanced stage of her terminal illness, her days numbered). She went on with her conversation with so much of zest and enthusiasm, it amazed me! Well, I thought, she probably feels like those bright, colorful leaves looking so cheerful till they fall.
Quoting John Burroughs, " How beautifully leaves grow old.How full of light and color are their last days", it probably holds good for few people like my aunt, but I pray it holds good for all.
I admire your Aunt for taking charge of her passing days to call and let you know she wanted a long exchange with you. What a blessing. I do hope, like the leaves in the poem, her last days are full of light and color.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is a beautiful homage to her.
Before I happened 40 I was sure my life was endless. Now, the understanding that I was wrong)) and that this beautiful world is not forever adds so much salt and pepper to my life.
ReplyDeleteHere some Moscow autumn for you. http://moscowdailyshot.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html
So touching...
ReplyDeletePadmaja, beautifulpainting and touching post! I hope I will have that grace and courage when my time comes :)What a wonderful tribute to your aunt!
ReplyDeletePadmaja, this is truly stunning. Autumn has always been my favorite season and this beauty is a perfect explanation of why. I am so glad you got to talk to your aunt and that she is in such high spirits. I can't think of a better way to leave this world and I don't think it happens too often. I love knowing that she is so full of joy and so happy to be able to talk with you for so long. I think your story fits with this piece so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThat's a gorgeous painting! Wow! It goes with your aunt's conversation so perfectly. Animated and full of life and richness of experience, yet at the same time with the knowledge of time passing swiftly and everything changing. I love this post!
ReplyDeleteI definitely associate golden leaves and autumn wit our golden years of life. Your yellows radiate, just like your aunt's enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteDear Padmaja , this is a real feast for the eyes, I can't believe you just made it up like that, it's gorgeous ! Your aunt sounds like a great old lady, all the best for her .
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is a sad post or a happy one, Padmaja!! Your Aunt sounds like she's so happy, full of life and yet so brave to speak to you knowing that her end is near. I admire the beautiful Lady she is.!! This painting is definitely a gorgeous piece..
ReplyDeleteAmazing color and texture..
What a beautiful tribute to your Aunt, Padmaja. The leaves in your painting remind me of birds flitting and then I decided they were actually the movement of the leaves falling and being gently carressed by the breeze as they spun their way earthward. The colors could not be more beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful painting, and what an equally amazing aunt!
ReplyDeleteSome coincidences are so good, and fulfilling.Whenever you see this painting, I am sure you would always thinking of her lovingly. All the best to the Grand old Aunt!
She is truly an inspiration to all of us.
Your painting caught my eye and I just had to come and check it out. Great job with the colors, it's just stunning! I got choked up reading about your aunt, such a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteSo so beautiful Padmaja. The colors are so rich. Missed blogging but glad to be back! Check out my revamped blog if you like:)
ReplyDeleteA remarkable description of your aunt, and a stunning autumn painting.
ReplyDeleteReally gorgeous painting! Very touching post about your aunt and the lovely parallel with autumn. As I get older I think more and more about how precious our time is. Its wonderful that she reached out to you for a nice long conversation.
ReplyDeletewell done padmaja!
ReplyDeleteLovely padmaja ....
ReplyDeleteyour blog is artistic blog !!
I checked your blog nd i am your lates follower ...:)
Way2express~~
What an amazing painting and story! Your aunt certainly can teach us all a lesson about facing our final days. You teach a lesson too, showing us painting from our imagination creates wonderful and unique images. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThe thoughts and feelings you put into your paintings make them extra special.I love the colours as much as I love autumn,very much! Your Aunt sounds like such a wonderful person,I hope the days she does have left on this earth are filled with love and peace.
ReplyDeleteHave been missing from my blog for some time. Wanted to catch up with old friends again. Your blog threw this surprise. A lovely painting with amazing colours and great thoughts too.
ReplyDeleteAmazing work Padmaja..after my last visit have been waiting to see what the next work would be and the colours of autumn brought out so well. Admire your aunt's positive attitude and zest for life..praying for her good health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThe more different are among them, in my point of view, Very well written and certainly a pleasure to get into a blog From India
ReplyDeleteWhat a joyous painting, Padmaja. I love the quote too - and send blessings to your Aunt.
ReplyDeleteSuch a splash of colors and such a lovely story of your aunt, Padmaja! Lovely:)
ReplyDeletesimply beautiful .. what a lovely thought to follow the beautiful painting ..
ReplyDeleteBikram's
ReplyDeletehuess are painted so gooodddd
What a wonderful post. I LOVE your painting! It's so full of joy. I'm glad you had time to chat with your aunt.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of your best. I love the contrast of oranges and blues - a great use of complimentary colors for a stunning effect. It vibrates.
ReplyDeleteJean
I saw your new website today! It's wonderful! I posted a commen there, but wasn't sure if it would go to you, or to the hosts of the website. Thanks so much for your advice on my photographs, I really appreciate hearing from someone with such an intuitive eye as you!
ReplyDeleteHi Pad,
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family are doing well. I'm trying to get back to blog reading and get caught up with blog friends. What a gorgeous painting, and your post was so touching. Your aunt sounds like a very wise woman who understands what life is about. A very special gift to have such a conversation with her.
What a lovely painting and a wonderful depiction of autumn Padmaja! It is my favorite time of year and you have captured it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI hope the rest of your Aunt's days are peaceful and that the angels will comfort her as I'm sure they will. :)
How beautifully leaves grow old.How full of light and color are their last days"
ReplyDeletewonderful post
What an absolutely stunning painting..the color palette is magnificent..this piece is full pf poetry and dance and radiance! What a special story you shared about your Aunt..very touching!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to meet you! Your art is gorgeous!
Victoria
Can't believe this!!! Incredible! Wow!
ReplyDeleteLast when i went to take a look at fall colors,one lady sat on a bench and beautifully painting the senery which remebered me ur blog :)Just thought of telling u.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting and post.
ReplyDeleteThe orange and aqua combination is kind of shocking... kind of perfect... :)
ReplyDelete