Angel by the Sea

In this painting, an angel walks near the foreshore, taking in everything the seaside and nature has to offer. It was commissioned by a family from the Mornington Peninsula. They asked me to paint their 21-year-old daughter who they call Angel, and who is very connected to the ocean.

Butterflies surround her, representing her metamorphosis. The butterfly is unsure of what it will become after leaving its velvet cocoon, but it knows it will need courage to step out into a new life. The young angel is similarly unsure of where life will take her. Like the butterfly, she steps out of her cocoon and realises she has wings that are ready to take flight.

She’s encouraged by sparkling, flying fish to dive deeper into the sea, discover her depth and find her passion. Too often we live in the shallows of life. When we dive deeper, we discover so much more about ourselves and how we can connect on a level we didn’t even know existed.

Two egrets fly around the angel with a message of unconditional love and support. Egrets, like cranes, are big, beautiful water birds. In a lot of old imagery, you will see a crane carrying a baby in its beak, wrapped in cloth. The tale goes that the birds are bringing the baby as a message and a gift from God.

In this piece, the egrets embody her parents; they remind her that she is never alone, they will always be there to encourage, support and love her unconditionally.

There are also three turtles flying around her. The turtles remind her to slow down, take it all in and roll with the patterns of the sea. This will help her appreciate and be thankful for all that comes her way. One small positive thought of gratitude each day can create a lifetime of happiness.

There are two kookaburras in this piece to symbolise the strong bonds she has with the people she loves; her family and friends. Kookaburras are known to help look after each other’s families, they live as a family in the bushland with have very strong connections to one another. 

The flowers blooming at her feet are a symbol of growth. Life is cyclical. With every new cycle comes more strength and the ability to adapt to life’s changes. 

Through this painting, I wanted to send a message to this young woman, to grow with every new day and keep your mind open to all the great things that are possible in your lifetime.