The Sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. I was moved by a new story in the early months of the war there about a middle-aged woman who gave sunflower seeds to a Russian soldier. I was compelled to paint “Ukrainian Sunflower Field” during that time, and it received overwhelming support.
 
As I often do, when I have a good amount of leftover paint, I grab whatever fresh canvas I have laying around and cut loose. I like to fully embrace the artistic process of completely letting go of any attachment to the outcome – an artist’s nirvana of sorts. Like the feeling of “flow state” in athletics, a rhythm takes over and my movements are automatic, relying on years of practice. It’s almost as if something is flowing through me sometimes.
 
Often, the outcome is a mess. Like all artists, much of what I produce is not worthy to be shown (at least by our standards). It’s the one when all the stars line up in the universe that you nail it.
 
Sunflower in Blue was one I nailed. And her sister: “Twisted Sunflower,” who happened right before her.
 
Sunflowers are thought to seek out light and follow it, facing the sun as it moves across the sky during the day, a symbol of loyalty to something bigger and brighter than themselves. Both pieces are bright and colorful and will warm up your space, giving you something hopeful, peaceful, and meditative to cherish for a lifetime, or give as a heart-felt gift.
 
“Sunflower in Blue,” the original, is an acrylic painting on a 14 x 11 canvas. All materials used are archival quality. The painting will arrive in a floating frame, craftsman made with natural Aspen wood and sealed. The framed size of this piece is 16" x 13".