Stand Tall

Stand Tall

• Mixed medium
• An original, framed
• 52 x72 cms

There's a version of me that leaves the house some mornings not really feeling it. Shoulders a bit heavy, head full of the day ahead, not entirely sure I'm ready to face it. But I've learned that you get dressed anyway. You stand up straight anyway. You put your best foot forward, even on the days it's the last thing you feel like doing.

That's where Stand Tall came from.

I wanted to paint something that held that feeling, roses that don't apologise for how loud and alive they are. Although delicate and very beautiful, roses stand in the ground, amongst the thorns, despite the weather, and they still hold their heads up. 

I built this piece in layers, acrylic first, laid down loose and fast, then mixed medium worked back through it, neon greens for the stems that almost buzz against the deep pinks and reds of the roses, black striping bleeding through underneath like static, like the noise of a difficult day. I wanted the roses to win against that noise. Not by ignoring it, but by standing right up out of the middle of it.

This piece gives me extra strength on the mornings when I'm just not feeling it  -  those mornings where you don't feel particularly strong or sure of yourself, but you show up anyway, you stand tall anyway. Something about this act actually starts to move you forward and gives you more confidence and strength. 

This is a painting for anyone who needs reminding that showing up counts. Stand tall, best foot forward, and let the rest catch up.

Stand Tall …for the originals.