Illuminated Hearts

Illuminated Hearts

Here’s the fourth and final abstract painting I did while in France for the month of August.

This one changed significantly through a few layers, with each one I experimented; what will happen if I do this? And then, this?

I began with water and Earth, as I did with each painting, connecting to the land. Then added a first bit of colour… Then, gentle additions…

Well, then I added another layer and the colours, that began as vibrant turne

d somewhat dull. Obviously, a warm clashed with a cool to make this muddyish mix. I felt like I was stirring the proverbial pot!

So, what was I to do? I chilled for a bit and felt into my heart. I contemplated where I was at that day; how I was feeling, what was I experiencing, and what wanted to be expressed.

This trip wasn’t all peaches and cream. There were some really tough moments mixed in. I had quite a significant setback physically during our travels to France, and what came with it was some very tender emotions, frustrations and feeling broken. There were indeed moments of overwhelm.

Paul was experiencing his own challenges;his Achilles inflamed again, enou

gh that he sacrificed running in a few races of the World Master’s Championships and cheered on his athletes instead. I know it was hard for him to be on the sidelines.

We had a couple of iffy moments, but we’ve developed a level of communication (while sometimes a bit shaky) and trust that have always served to get us through whatever trials we face together, and this trip was no different. I think we’ve proved to each other that we can be counted on, that we never let each other down when it counts, and that ultimately there is a great deal of love and respect.

So, I felt into Love, and I looked with Love, at Love.

I began to see a couple of hazy shapes and I outlined them very loosely, and they became like these Angel Lovers. I did not want to get hung up on design and definition as I’ve been yearning to be free of perfectionism, so I left them in this very abstract state.

At first, I felt embarrassed with the painting. I didn’t want anyone to see it. But, as I took it up to our room in the chateau and laid it next to the others, I developed a fondness for it, and dare I say it, I could imagine framing it and seeing it on a wall. The next thing I knew I was in love with it.

A couple of hours later, off we went to see a castle. It was on the top of a very steep winding hill I didn’t know how I was going to manage, but I didn’t want to wait at the bottom while the others went up without me. So, I reached out to Paul and he held strong, pulling me along side him the whole way up.

I didn’t care one bit how hard it was for him or me because all there was, was Love. When I saw this photo, it seemed like destiny for the painting I finished earlier to be called ‘Illuminated Hearts’. Even though we look tired and strained I can also see our hearts radiating vibrantly just like in the painting.

This piece would be perfect for anyone wanting to attract a soul partner or to celebrate an existing unconditionally loving relationship.

“Oh Beloved,
take me.
Liberate my soul.
Fill me with your love and
release me from the two worlds.
If I set my heart on anything but you
let fire burn me from inside.

Oh Beloved,
take away what I want.
Take away what I do.
Take away what I need.
Take away everything
that takes me from you.”

~ Rumi

~ Illuminated Hearts by Kiernan Antares ~

Abstraction on Canvas Paper, 12″ x 16″