Butterflies and Thistles

This week I had a fun time with my "Mother's Day Draw" for a free print...for your mom or for you!  I figure we all need a bit of a treat these days!  It was for my Facebook Followers.  I asked them to tell me which print they would choose, and why.....whether it was for their mom, or for themselves. 
Many people entered the draw and I was quite moved by many of their responses....a favourite place, a reminder of something or...someone.......But the one that made the biggest impression on me, was actually the one that I drew.  (Honestly, I did not look at the names as I drew them out).  I did end up drawing names and giving out 5 prints.....I really wanted more people to win that painting that would mean so much to them.

The first winning ticket was Linda Ashfield, a friend of mine and retired Presbyterian minister.  Her words emphasized the amazing thing that what I choose to paint says something to the viewer that I don't even think about when I'm painting it.  This particular painting that I did this winter was from a photo that I took a couple of summers ago.  I caught sight of this butterfly on the thistle and liked the bright contrast.  I had to crouch down a bit to take the photo, so that I could see enough of the butterfly.  Unfortunately, it was  right in front of an ugly grey brick wall.  I didn't worry about that...I knew that I could change it.  I decided to make the beautiful blue sky as another contrast.  It seemed to be a very happy picture (which I have to admit I like painting)...something that might make people smile.  Here's what Linda had to say:

I would choose your butterfly and thistle print. There are a few reasons: personally the thistle speaks to my Scottish heritage and the butterfly my Christian faith. But it strikes me that it is very much a picture filled with hope. Covid has brought a lot of thorns and thistles into all of our lives - but in the shutdowns and sadness there has been moments of peace and hope that float in just when we need them. Your picture seems to be looking up towards the sky - which to me is a huge indicator of good things for the future (dare I say post covid?)

Thank you for sharing that Linda.   I think that you are going to enjoy your new print!  I might even put one up on my wall!