Reflections on Tulips in a Vase
Linda's voice:
I have always loved the tulips painted by the Dutch Masters in the
1600’s, but it was the fluidity and movement of the Parrot Tulips of
photographer Robert Mapplethorpe that gave me the irresistible desire to
do my own series of tulip paintings.
Optimistically, I planted double tulip bulbs in the fall and waited in
anticipation all winter. I was delighted that spring when they all
bloomed in profusion. I had planned to photograph them one morning when
they were at their peak, only to discover, to my dismay, that overnight,
the weight of a cold rain on the full blossoms had caused every stem to
snap off close to the flower. Sadly, I gathered all the broken flower
heads and placed them in small vases, teacups, and eggcups, all over the
house.
On the surface of this particular vase, the sunlight from the window
painted a reflection of the hilly countryside. Seeing this reflection of
the landscape in miniature, juxtaposed with my lovely broken tulips, I
reflected on how very tenuous are those moments of beauty in our lives,
and how we must appreciate them fully when they are given to us.
Private Collection
Oil on
Canvas
24" x 18"