“How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Image from National Gallery, London
When The National Gallery newsletter announced their reader’s favorite painting for March last year, she was more than pleased. She had cast her vote. Seeing the image of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in the article swept her back decades, to the first time she had visited the National Gallery.
She stood before that painting in such awe and wonder. Seeing the sunflowers, yellow, with heads bent. Some are naked, with petals dropped, they offer only their seed heads. Some in full yellow bloom, and one so young its leaves still cling to its stem, fifteen of them in all, a rich circle of life, gathered and standing in their yellow vase. The painting is signed along the vase. Vincent. Yes, simply Vincent.
That was her first trip to London and she was thrilled to be there in the excitement of the city. Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Hyde Park, St Paul’s, Fleet St, The Tower and its Bridge. Westminster and the Tower of Big Ben. She knew she would return to London and the National Gallery for years to come and she did. Now, it has been nearly twenty years since she last walked those streets and she does long to see them again.
“If you hear a voice within you saying, ”You are not a painter,” then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent van Gogh
Be Well. Stay Safe. Much Love.
Story & Photos: © 2022 Molly Cox
Sunflowers Image: National Gallery, London, UK