Anri was born on the West Coast and was fortunate as a young adult to spend five years on a farm outside Paternoster. She knew then that she would like to get married here one day. Young people almost always leave our quiet shores and Anri worked in both the Netherlands and then settled in London. Here she met Rodrigo and the dream took shape!
As I painted Anri, her feet grounded in the soil (ah, in fact it is very clean sand!) of her birthplace and her eyes on the wonderful Rodrigo, the painting started to become very symbolic. They are turned away from us, towards their future overseas. The little boat points to a distant place too. I chose very controlled colours so that everything would echo the sea, sand and sky. Don't you just love the eye contact of the couple, fingers entwined and the groom's pants gamely rolled up?And of course, that lovely dress that leaves us speechless!
My thanks to West Coast photographer Marie Malherbe for the use of some of her material for the painting..
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Your painting is truly beautiful--the couple looks perfect in the scene; the sweep of Anri's dress is lovely!
ReplyDeleteA stunning painting and so romantic. Thank you for sharing these intimate moments of life in your country.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful couple... Congratulations to them!!
ReplyDeleteI know they will treasure their painting.
It feels like a beautiful visual poem! The vastness of the ocean, the boat, the way they are looking in to each other's eyes , everything is so symbolic of the journey they have embarked on, very nice work Marie!
ReplyDeletethank you marie! the painting is just perfect...brought a tear to my eye!
ReplyDeleteMarie, I think you are a romantic at heart. Your words weave such beautiful stories of your land, of hope, and of the sights of every day beauty that you see. This is one special and beautiful painting that this couple will cherish for always.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Marie - a moving and poignant piece to mark the beginning of their journey. I do love the groom's rolled up pants!
ReplyDeleteThe narrative painting says so much and thanks for interpreting all the symbols of this very romantic occasion.
ReplyDeleteIt is utterly beautiful Marie - at least she came home to get married and may one day return.
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura and I love your boats on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda!Your red-and-glass painting is very delightful!
They will find your good wishes here, Marian, thank you. I thought your palette knife painting was lovely!
Padmaja, you are so poetic! Thank you for the lovely words and compliment.
Anri, you are THE STAR OF THE SHOW!! Because you had this true West Coast wedding, I was inspired to produce the painting!
I always think of myself as "practical" first and foremost, Sherry. But yes, my feeling for this place and its people is leading me into romanticism!
Cathy, thank you for your visits on the last couple of blogs. Yes, I was charmed...all that tophat and tails type of look, and the suit pants rolled up!
Thank you JOAN.Some places can play along so well to make symbolic stories!
Yes, Liz, wonderful. But of course they came to one of the most beautiful spots in the world. I loved your Kirstenbosch Kids on your blog!! The trees in the background and the steps achieve a sense of place.
Just wonderful Marie, I always love your stories. Do you know this couple? Is this a gift for them? If so they will just love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Great keepsake.
ReplyDeleteI have been dancing on the table since this painting was completed! 3 people wanted to buy the original, but of course it should go to the bride! I also have to supply some canvas prints, not only to family, but to romantic souls!
ReplyDeleteThe painting caused a little uproar on Facebook, and here on the blog had 76 viewers on Day 1 and 82 viewers on Day 2! I also had people cautiously inquire about my fees to do a wedding assignment. Of course, my work is never expensive! Love to all, Marie.
Barbara, thank you for being such a regular reader! No,I do not know the couple who live in London. When I started painting the town of Paternoster, a Facebook friend (we haven't met in person)wrote that her daughter's wedding photos were taken on the beach. I saw the photos some two months ago and the concept grew in my mind. Such is the Internet. I sit here on my lonely coast and have a hectic social life in cyberspace!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen! And by the way, your lighthouse paintings are awesome!
sjoe marie! i am dancing with you on the table! this painting of my lovely daughter and her husband is really something very special,and i know they will love and care for it for ever! and because i know you painted it with a lot of love, it makes it more special!thank you again!love riana
ReplyDeleteWow Marie, what a beautifully emotional painting to celebrate the beginning of their lives together. They look very happy and grounded, and they can take this connection with them wherever they go. They will certainly cherish this painting forever. wonderful job of making them such a part of the environment.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Love the couple and hope you get to do many more weddings!
ReplyDeleteRiana, so nice to have Mother-of-the-Bride here, and now all my friends can see that the beauty runs in the family!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I enjoyed painting this, thank you for the lovely comments. And I really loved your summery painting on your blog!
Thank you, Pam. Thank you for visiting again.
LOVE it, how perfect for the new couple. They lucked out having an artist such as yourself paint them!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit, Diane of the Perfect Flowers! Yes, I agree, I had such fun doing this painting. I was glad that I chose 12 x 16, which was a good size!
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a romantic story and painting. You did a wonderful job. I do like the way the couple is looking at each other and walking away from us. Their future is as broad as the ocean.
Thank you, Liana! You saw some symbolism in the painting that even the artist did not pick up!
ReplyDeleteSuper symbolic and richly romantic. A painting to be cherished, Marie!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful painting and the couple is precious. He in his rolled up pants and her gown is magnificent. So romantic!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous painting, Marie! May their life together be just as beautiful as your painting!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dean...we are waiting for it to reach London, as my bride has bought the painting!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! I agree that their "dress code" was fantastic!
Linny, they appreciate every good wish that is posted here! Thank you very much!
What a beautiful painting and post. A gift they will always treasure. And you're right - her dress IS DIVINE!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful...so romantic, and I just love the story about the bride and groom. What a priceless gift they will be receiving when they will be receiving this incredible gift that will always remind them of this special day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. I have only noticed your comments one year later!
ReplyDeleteClaire, thank you for visiting this older post and for your kind comments!