On my 50th birthday, I got the best birthday present ever. My spouse France, had painted her interpretation of that most iconic of Canadian paintings: Tom Thomson’s “The Jack Pine”. France had managed to paint the canvas whilst I was away on business and unveiled it, paint still tacky, on my birthday. I was blown away.
France still comments that the palette of her painting is different from that of the original, but to me that’s a big part of it’s appeal. The more electric colours all work together, perhaps recalling a different time of day. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of the original image and also France’s eye for colour and design. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if Thomson had chosen a different format, perhaps his palette would have changed too. Who knows. The original is a considerably more monumental 50″ × 53″ and scale matters.
As artists we make choices all the time and then question them. There’s no right or wrong. Nothing’s going to collapse because we are partial to a particular colour, degree of abstraction or level of finish.
What a beautiful story and gift, David. I’ve seen that painting of France’s in the flesh and fully agree with what you say… as well, dear France, that painting is awesome and is a wonderful testament to your abilities as an artist. As well, it adds such warmth and elegance to your home! I look forward to hearing your tale of becoming an artist in your 50th year, David!
Hi Michelle. France is delighted and a big thank you from both of us. More to follow! David
Very interesting post. Your last reference to quitting your corporate job to become a painter is especially intriguing. I look forward to hearing that story too.
Great to hear from you Sonia, I’ll definitely write something on my transition to painting in the not to distant future! David