Awaiting the arrival of the sun / Painting Sunflowers

On a recent drive with my husband, I was exhilarated to see an amazing field of sunflowers in full bloom. I instantly knew I had to get some photos so I got up early the next morning and took nearly 100 photos. I was particularly enchanted with some sunflowers toward the back of the field that were reaching high and looking to the rising sun. I thought, "There's a deeper message here," and I knew these would be my first ones to paint. 

I was reminded of the Bible account of 10 virgins who were keeping their lamps full of oil in anticipation of the Bridegroom who would arrive at an unexpected time. This was to be the wedding of all weddings and they didn't want to miss their chance to be in the this once in a lifetime event. Standing on guard so to speak, just as these sunflowers, I can imagine the young women's excitement when they heard the cry that the Bridegroom was coming! 

Do doubt many were asleep, not expecting an arrival in the wee hours of the morning. Some perhaps, were not prepared with oil or wicks for their lamps, but the young women had been excitedly awaiting this moment and no doubt ran out with joy to become a part of the glorious wedding party. 

I may be reading a lot into an obscure patch of sunflowers standing tall in the morning darkness, and of course all of the sunflowers would at some point turn to face the sun, but this moment of seeing just a small patch reaching up... watching and waiting.... well, it was a spiritual moment indeed. I could imagine them saying, "Don't miss the Son." 

Painting & Photo Below:

"Here Comes the Sun" / 10" x 8" / Pastel
Original in my Etsy Shop

Available in Etsy Shop