Desiree

I had a completely different vision for this painting before I started it. It took me on a wild and very long ride. I think I started it last summer. The last thing I did was lay in the red ribbon. It was an absolute delight, there is nothing I love to paint more than ribbons. For an explanation of the ribbon I would refer you to a couple posts ago where I went into detail of this ribbon as a symbol. Simply put, she is delicately bound by her passions, and quite enjoying the idea of it.

That said, let's name the fruits in this painting. Ahem... Mango, lime, kiwi, tangerine, orange, cherry, pomegranate, lemon, and pear. Spring is in the air!

Four

I called this painting "Four". I probably could have got a little more creative with the title. (Titles are not my forte.) I suppose I could say that about the meaning of the painting as well. I often express the things that are foremost on my mind, of which there are now three, by putting representations of them on a woman's head. Sometimes they are birds, or birds with baby heads, or sheep. In this case they are bird houses, dwellings. I used this symbol because the frame of mind she is in. She is feeling like a vessel, she is the keeper of the dwellings of her little birdies. So, here is the simple part: She is thinking about taking on a fourth dwelling, becoming a vessel a fourth time. But does she have room? Can she do it? Should she do it?

The buildings are the world. The other people, grown ups probably. She sees hers as a little more dainty, precious and beautiful.

I love the ribbon across the bottom of the painting, winding its way delicately through her fingers. I have found myself adding this element to a lot of paintings. I think it represents her passions, her voice and creative expression. It is grounding, it is truth, it is honest and essential to her happiness.