Rose of Sharon

When I was asked if I am willing to do a painting that can be auctioned at a women's day event in August, I immediately thought of flowers. I always think of roses first, since they are my favourite flowers. However the more thought I gave to it, the more I wanted to do a flower that is not only beautiful but also symbolises something deeper.

In the book Song of Songs in the Bible, Solomon talks about the Rose of Sharon. He says: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley." Because that passage actually points to Jesus as the rose of Sharon, for me it symbolises purity and beauty. I therefor decided to do the painting of the rose of Sharon, since it also fits with the woman Solomon describes in Proverbs 31 of noble character and whose worth is far more than that of rubies.

Although there are different opinions as to which flower was described as the rose of Sharon, most wise people say that it is the Hibiscus.

Not only is it a very beautiful flower, but the play of light and shadow makes this a very beautiful painting.

New Beginnings!

It's been more than a year that I have last posted anything on this blog. My apologies. The thing is just that I took a break from painting the greater part of last year. I felt like my art wasn't improving and together with a lot of other stuff happening I just felt I needed a break.

Looking back I realize that it was a good decision. All of a sudden it feels as if things are moving forward and falling into place. There are possibilities of doors opening at galleries - nothing concrete yet, but at least people (other than my mother) is showing interest in my art!

Over the next week I will mention more about that. What I can say is that I have to / want to do at least 7 new paintings before June that will be exhibited at a group exhibition on a wine farm near Stellenbosch. I am also working on 3 paintings that will be auctioned for different charity causes later this year.

Hopefully I will have time to post regularly every week on this blog. Here are pics of a few of my latest paintings.