Goodbye to Asters

Going, going, gone... The fleeting beauty of these asters, captured in my kitchen during the autumn of 2021, serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life. This painting is part of a life-cycle series, an exploration of the various stages of growth and decay that are an intrinsic part of the natural world.

As the asters neared the end of their bloom, I became enamoured with the changing shapes of their stems, which seemed to take on a life of their own, transforming into unique and whimsical caricatures. This metamorphosis inspired me to centre the composition around these evolving forms, celebrating the beauty that can be found even as life begins to fade.

In addition to the captivating shapes of the stems, I was equally fascinated by the shadows they cast upon the surface below. These shadows added an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the scene, prompting me to allot a generous amount of space in the composition to showcase this interplay of light and darkness.

The choice of colours in this piece further enhances the sense of autumnal melancholy, with the warm, earthy tones evoking a feeling of nostalgia for the vibrant, fleeting beauty of the asters in full bloom. But even as the flowers wither, there remains a quiet elegance in their decline, a testament to the enduring allure of nature in all its stages.

This painting not only captures the ephemeral beauty of the asters but also serves as a reflection on the cyclical nature of life itself. It invites the viewer to ponder the passage of time and the constant dance of growth and decay that defines our existence. Through the depiction of these asters in their twilight, the piece encourages us to appreciate the beauty in the impermanence, and to cherish the fleeting moments of grace that life has to offer. And in doing so, it reminds us of the importance of savouring the present, as each moment, like the asters themselves, will soon be gone.

14x18in
Acrylic on stretched canvas