This week, I have some exciting news to share with you – I sold an original!!!
It’s always a joyous time when I know that one of my paintings is going to a happy home, and it’s not unusual at all to find out that one of my pieces has deeply touched the heart of its buyer. But this one is a bit different; it was a very emotional experience for me.
With the ongoing situation in Ukraine, my painting, “Unbroken – The Heart of Ukraine,” has been on my mind lately. It’s been nearly three years since I painted the pastel. All the profits from the initial release of the print at that time went directly to two organizations to support Ukrainian children. Thanks to many of you, we were able to send over $2000.00.
After seeing the response to the original this week, I’ve decided to re-release the print. Unfortunately, I’m not able to do the charity project this time, but it does seem to be a good time for a gentle reminder of the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people.
My collector asked me, “What made you paint it?” I turned it over in my mind for a while as I lay awake last night, and this is how I replied…
It was in the spring of the first year of the war. Like everyone else, my heart was breaking for the Ukrainian people as I listened to their stories. I was in awe of the courage and strength they displayed every day to defend their country.
Young couples saying goodbye as they parted… mothers and children fleeing while their husbands and sons stayed to fight.
It was a raw moment, but their determination and their dedication to what they believed in inspired me. I just had to do something. Some musically gifted Americans wrote songs, so I thought, “Why not use my art?”
But how would I represent Ukraine on canvas? As I sat in stopped traffic near the Liberty Bridge one day, I googled “sunflowers,” (Ukraine’s national flower) and came across the heart-shaped ones. I thought of the colors of the Ukrainian flag, blue and yellow, and the painting began to take shape in my mind. I saw these heart-shaped sunflowers representing Ukraine, with a dewdrop in the shape of a tear to symbolize the sorrow and the loss. Of course, the sunflowers weren’t alone. Just like the Ukrainian people, they stand proud and defiant together
When I pulled into my driveway, Tom was sitting on the porch. I couldn’t wait to get out of the car and tell him my idea. I literally sat down that night and started to paint, and I finished it late the next day. Whenever I flow like that, the paintings practically paint themselves. I truly am just a vessel!
Needless to say, I will have 9” x 12” prints available at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center from March 7th through the 16th.
I will also have a new painting that I will announce soon!