This painting is a very tender piece for me, and essential in my art series.
I think most of us in some way believe in or hope for lasting love and companionship in our lives. I believe marriage can be a progression of increasing love, not just a “happily ever after, the end” kind of love. Love in marriage has the ability to grow deeper and stronger if we but nurture it, take the time for it, to listen genuinely with love, to be patient, and care selflessly for the other person. I know God had led me to the person who is perfect for me, and met me at a time in my life when I most needed to find him. Marriage unions to another person are a form of Godlike love, and is one of the deepest forms of love that we can find on earth.
This painting is called “Love’s Reunion.” It is of a couple that are reunited in heaven after death had previously separated them. I love the sweetness of their faces, how devoted they are to each other. This couple is an example to me of what forever love looks like. We all meet Christ in heaven, and I feel we will reunite with our spouses and loved ones again as well.
John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
I hope that you are as touched as I was with this piece, and I hope that maybe I can one day be able to paint many more visions of love that are your own. Here are some lovely pieces of music that inspired me as I painted this particular painting, often late in the night or early in the morning before my children awoke:
Adagio for Strings, by Edward Elgar
Road to Perdition Film Score (please forgive the title, but the music is breathtaking)
Dream Ten, by Liquid Mind
I’d like to give special thanks to Steve and Jeanne Whiting, who graciously allowed me to have them be my models for this special piece. I remember talking to Steve, and telling him I was in need of a couple who looks…older…seasoned…,and he warned me to be careful, that I may be digging myself into a ditch! Hahaha! I needed two people who symbolized old love, and the withstanding of time. They have definitely done that, and I am truly thankful for them and their example of marriage in my life. I know there are many people who would say the same thing about them.
Thank you to to my dear friend, Christine Simmons, for being my eyes and photographing such a beautiful reference for me, and to Karin Guynn who offered to watch my kiddos for some desperate painting time.
Beautiful tribute Laura.
This painting does such a great job of capturing and depicting a joyful, successful, harmonious, marriage relationship. I think that the way they are standing together is representative of the strong united base, their effective team work creates, which future generations are able to lean on and build from.
I like the unity of purpose and go team that is evident. The “job well done” looks of gratitude and appreciation for each other. Gratitude is happiness!
The most interesting thing about this painting to me is the universality of the happy couple. I know Brother and Sister Whiting and it is a good resemblance, but when I first saw the painting I started mentally scrolling thru the long list of happy couples I have known over the years, trying to decide which last name matched this happy couple.
Your whole series is beautiful!!! Enjoy your much deserved break, gearing up for your new arrival. Hurray for Babies! Love you lots from Amanda.
Beautiful and tender scene. Such delicate craftsmanship. Great work Laura!
BEAUTIFUL painting! love it and all that it symbolizes!