Hidden reasons

Photo, courtesy of Elizabeth Wilkel, Photographer, (c) 2019

Hidden Reasons
Susie Caron (c) 2020

​This winter I diverged for a moment from my usual pet portrait subjects to paint a Water Lily.

A Water Lily is not my usual subject. I prefer to make animals appear to ‘come to life’ in pet portraits and enjoy the love of pets and their relationships with their humans. My choice of subjects rarely, if ever focus upon the flora of our world. However, this tiny Lily seemed to call to me. She’d arrived this past fall in a collection of reference photos from a friend. 

What did I see?
 
I looked at this photo and noticed she seemed a bit lonely. Perhaps I projected my own feelings onto her solitariness. I’d continued to shelter in place for several months over concerns about contracting Covid-19. Perhaps the lonely one was me?
 
Investigating the photo further, I wondered what tiny animals may lived with her, beneath her, and around her. The mysterious life cycles abounding in ponds and streams provides a lot to be imagined.  Maybe my curiosity about animal life hidden there drew me in. I wondered if I might also decide to paint a small fish, frog or dragon fly within.

Secrets?

Intrigued, I began painting and a lovely image emerged. I enjoyed it so much, once framed, I hung it in my working art studio and it reminded me every day of my friend.  As sometimes happens, with one or another painting, this Lily began  to feel like it needed to go home to my friend Liz.
 
I had not posted this painting on social media.  I think I kept it secret, subconsciously knowing someday it would belong with my friend. The day came when my husband who needed to travel for an appointment, would drive near her home.  I asked him if he would stop by and give it to her. I texted my friend to make sure she’d be home because I had something for her.  I didn’t tell her exactly what was coming.

An Unexpected Gift & Confirmation
 
My friend Liz loved the unexpected gift of the painting.  She told me she’d previously selected her original photo for computer wall paper.  That assured me I’d chosen the right one to paint and to give. Liz was happy to receive it and I was happy The Water Lily Penumbra arrived in her care and home.

​One more question.
Did I hide any additional tiny creatures in this painting? What can you see? 
Also How do you think paintings finding their forever homes? 
I'd love to hear from you.

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Water Lily Penumbra, 8x10 Acrylic Painting, Susie E Caron (c) 2020

Thank you for visiting. Come again soon. Hugs and Blessings, Susie