Moma’s Sunflowers

Moma loved sunflowers. She remembered them as a child, being in the fields to keep the pesky birds away. It amazed her that a “working class” flower became such a sought after addition for a vase.

Her favorite oil painting was the Munich version of Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh. I attempted to create his beautiful image for her, as seen above. It has quite the story behind it.

While at a yard sale one day, Moma and I purchased an elegant frame. Unknown to me, it must’ve been a custom-made frame, as no stretched canvas would fit it. Where money was saved on the frame, a custom-made canvas of 22 × 34 inches had to be made.

I started the art piece just before getting married. Moving to Massachusetts, I left it in my room in Florida. Soon after, I began working for an airline and would fly home to my folks every month. It was then I returned to the painting.

Each time I would pick up my brush, I learned a significant lesson. You see, when I began the art piece, I was very particular and certain about my progress. As my life changed, so did my expectations of the oil painting. I was still wanting to create the best version of Van Gogh’s art work I could, but I became softer on myself and accepted a finished product with my influences and flaws.

Thus, Moma’s painting, though far from a perfect replica, became even more precious to her as she saw me in the painting also. Below is my watercolor version.

Always be accepting of the best version of you.