"Kiss of Spring" 2008
Oil on Canvas 16x20" |
Painting from life has the advantage that elements of colour and lighting are given to you, yet the complexity of life presents a challenge. The artist must mediate between representing the finest details of the subject, and simplifying those elements of the subject that would detract from the composition. This theme is well represented not only in this composition, but also in the symbolic meaning that the painting holds. The two spring flowers painted here represent the male and female figure just before kissing. The daffodil, the male, is leaning in to the tulip, the female, with his 'hand' extending behind her 'head', and her 'hand' upon his 'chest'. The flowers themselves, being spring flowers, symbolize a time when new life and love are bursting forth from the long winters of life, yet, I chose to leave the flowers in black and white symbolizing their simplicity and insignificance in such a vast world. But, it is just this, their simple beauty, that overflows from their own sphere and into the world encompassing them, yielding to the world a vibrancy and life much greater than their own. It may be noted that the colour behind the daffodil is that of the tulip, and that the colour behind the tulip is that of the daffodil, and the space lying between, where their lips will meet, is a beautiful fusion of their own colours. This gives representation of the two lovers giving themselves to the other and becoming one through their love.
Below you will find the original picture that I took of these two 'young lovers', and thought the representations of the artistic photography is different from the symbolism found in the painting, it yet may be noted how emphasizing particular details, while simplifying others, can bring meaning to a composition that is otherwise nothing more than ascetically pleasing.
