My Beloved...

Take Number 2 for attempting to draw a wedding gift for young friends getting married in September.  I decided to use a verse that is a bit more passionate and less preachy for my young friends. (My first attempt turned out to be destined for another couple, see my previous post called "Wives...")

I wanted a hand written look to the wording, but was able to admit to myself that my calligraphy skills are a bit rusty, so I "cheated" and used the laser printer to print the verse.  I then set out with my handy waterproof drawing pens to draw in the flowers.  I specifically chose two flowers and positioned them "leaning on" each other, or embracing each other.  

This verse is from the Song of Songs (the Old Testament) which was the first Old Testament book I studied thanks to a Pastor Craig Groeschel / Life.Church series called Love Song.  You can find the series on YouTube.

I used watercolor pencils to add color to the piece, and then a water brush to blend away the pencil strokes and blend the shading.

As I impatiently waited for the watercolors to fully dry, I considered what wisdom to write on the back of the piece... I decided to write a single, simple, heartfelt sentence, and framed it up.  

I'm really pleased with how this piece came out.  This drawing feels more right for the couple I had in mind when drawing it. The bright and sunny Brown-Eyed Susans make me smile, like the bride to be, who has the most beautiful and contagious sunny smile.  The groom has deep, dark, kind, brown eyes, so the flowers are a perfect fit for them both.

I had considered making them pink, like echinacea, at first.  But yellow kept calling to me.  Turns out an alternative name for Brown Eyed Susan is Golden Jerusalem... coincidence?  I'm learning that there is no such thing! According to a flower symbolism website, they also represent happiness, so that's a bonus, as well.

I wish my friends all of the love and patience in this world.  I know that they both have an amazingly strong foundation and focus on Our Heavenly Father, so I know that their marriage will be blessed, long, and happy, and that they know where to turn to in times of trouble or sadness.  Their bond will be truly blessed. I can't wait to watch them grow together in Christ and surround themselves with a family.

A more detailed photograph of the artwork: