"Bluebell Heaven" - Oil painting

Avril Brand

"Bluebell Heaven" - Oil painting

Oil on canvas (commissioned)

This very special painting was commissioned by my dear friend, Bridget. She saw my first bluebell painting and wanted one of her own to commemorate her beloved father and husband. She kindly gave me permission to write the story of this painting.

She lost her father to cancer several years ago and her husband was tragically killed in a road accident only a few weeks ago. She trusted me to paint a scene of the two of them walking in bluebell fields.

I remembered the story of the Pilgrim’s Progress from years ago and adapted the story to depict them on their way to the ‘light’ (Heaven). Her father stands on the road waiting for Peter to catch up to him before they move off together into the distant light.

The road is not easy and there are dangerous points to cross before they reach the beautiful bluebell fields in the distance.

In the left hand corner sits Sparky, Peter’s beloved little dog. She is very old but not yet ready to take the road, so she waits till her time comes to cross over the river and join her master.

It was such an honour for me to paint this picture for you, Bridget and every brushstroke was made with all my love.

May the blessings of light be upon you,
Light without and light within,
And in all your comings and goings,
May you ever have a kindly greeting
From them you meet along the road.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

"Bluebell Heaven" - Oil painting belongs to the following groups:

! * Irish Eyes * !, ! 100% !, "Streams & Stream Crossings" 2 posts a day!, * Painted Nature *, All Around the Styles, Cards: Best of Your Best, Decorative and Traditional Art, Dimensions, Escher and Perspective Art 5/24, Fabulous Flowers, Fine Arts, Fine Arts Influenced by Literature, For The Love Of Jesus , Hand Drawn or Painted Art of Happiness or Joy, Healing Through Art (HTA), Impressionism Café, Impressionist Art, Landscape Painting, Light In The Darkness, Living Christianity, Oil Painting, Painted Florals! , Painters In Modern Times, Realist Traditional Art, Spiritual Art, The true beauty and Two Beings Group Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
"Bluebell Heaven" - Oil painting by Avril Brand
"Bluebell Heaven" - Oil painting by Avril Brand
  • Denise Martin

    Denise Martin

    This is really lovely, Avril, and such a touching story behind it.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Denise. It is certainly one of the most special paintings I have ever done.

  • Miraart

    Miraart

    Great one dear, you are real painter:)!

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much, Miraat!!

  • Taschja Hattingh

    Taschja Hattingh

    Wow! Dit is pragtig en die storie gee hierdie skildery van jou sooooveel meer betekenis en deernis! Great work and well done!

  • Avril Brand replied

    Dankie Taschja. Dit is so ‘n hartseer tydperk vir my vriendin en ek hoop dit gee haar net so bietjie troos.

  • Pat Yager

    Pat Yager

    A very moving story, Avril. Thank you for sharing it with us, as well as the lovely painting. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, you may be also.”

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Pat. Yes, those words are so special and there is so much hope even in our darkest days.

  • GEORGE SANDERSON

    GEORGE SANDERSON

    Another very fine painting Avril and a wonderful naration to go with it !!!

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you dear George!!

  • Agnes McGuinness

    Agnes McGuinness

    Beautiful, beautiful work, dear Avril. And a very moving background. Agnes xx

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Agnes, for such a nice comment. xxx

  • Arie van der Wijst

    Arie van der W...

    You’ve made her the most beautiful painting she could ask for Avril!! Wonderful, spiritual and very meaningful! Beautiful painting!!

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much, Arie!

  • Jim Phillips

    Jim Phillips

    Oh Avril, I was really touched by this. Not only is this painting so beautifully painted, but it has such a grand purpose. As I was reading your narrative I got the lump in my throat. This lady has a true friend. I love the ole Irish prayer you posted at the bottom. My mother has this in cross stitch hanging in their foyer. This is such a special painting and I’m so glad you shared it with us.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Jim! Bridget is like a daughter to me and a very special friend. I placed a couple of little animals hidden in the painting so that the road is interesting and full of wonders. Unfortunately, the photograph is too small to see them. I love the old Irish blessings – when your own words cannot say enough, there is sure to be an Irish blessing that will say what you feel.

  • Paulette x

    Paulette x

    Ooh, gorgeous work Avril :)

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Paulette!!xxx

  • barnsis

    barnsis

    Oh Wow, such amazing details and colors, the perspective is perfect. Excellent.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you dear Byron!!! hugsxxx

  • Linda Callaghan

    Linda Callaghan

    Avril this has brought tears to my eyes….what a beautiful, superb painting and the story behind it sad…yet this painting will bring much comfort as they live on and continue on their journey together. You can tell every stroke has indeed been painted with love. hugs x

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Linda! Bridget loves the painting and for me, its the best way I know how to express what words cannot say. Thank you for the lovely comment.

  • Lynn Moore

    Lynn Moore

    I cannot imagine what this painting must mean to your friend. I think I would cry buckets of tears; joy for such a beautiful and meaningful work and sorrow for the loss. It is such a comforting painting and she has a lifetime to become a part of it and to let it become a part of her. When I find a special painting, sometimes I can see myself in it; it’s like it becomes a part of me.

    I am changed from having viewed this; reminded that heaven is such a beautiful place and there are people that will be waiting for me at the time of my death. It comforts me with the deaths in my family; my dad, gramps and grandmother. I now another beautiful image to depict heaven in my mind, soul, heart and spirit.

    Would you consider submitting this in the “Healing Through Art group”: http://www.redbubble.com/groups/healing-through-art We would love to have you join us if you desire it and to share this painting especially in our group.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Lynn. I am so sorry for you loss too and it is just wonderful to know that people could find comfort in something I painted. I think if Heaven could be imagined, then this is how I would want it to be. Hugsxxx

  • Diko

    Diko

    Hi Avril,
    An Amazing painting and a very moving story
    Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.;
    Regards
    DIKO

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much Diko!!

  • Leslie Gustafson

    Leslie Gustafson

    Oh Avril, this is a work of God through you I think!! What a continued blessing it will be to your friend. Her losses are so sad, but this painting is full of hope!!

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Leslie – that is a very kind comment and much appreciated.

  • Dawnsky2

    Dawnsky2

    very beautiful, i love the rays of light :)

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you dear Thelma!!! The light rays took some time to do as I had to wait between layers to weave them through the trees but I think the effect is nice.

  • Lynda Robinson

    Lynda Robinson

    Really beautiful work Avril, and a very moving story.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much dear Lynda!!!

  • Tahnja

    Tahnja

    oh my goondess, I got goosebumps run all over when I read the story with this incredible painting. Wow, there are no words that can describe the beauty and great love, respect and spirituality you painted here. God bless you!

  • Avril Brand replied

    What a beautiful comment! Thank you Tahnja! Life sometimes hits us hard with lots of pain but we should never feel alone. Friends, family and faith pulls us through the toughest times.

  • Tahnja

    Tahnja

    oh yes, I wish I had of had all those things when I lost most of my family when I was a teenager, sadly, I had no one, was never raised with any faith and had no friends BUT, at a later age I found all those things and so much more….God was always with me and I knew it then as much as I know it now….hugs….

  • Avril Brand replied

    Dear Tahnja – I am so sorry to hear about your loss. How terrible to lose your loved ones at such a tender age. But your words are inspiring and it is wonderful to know that you have found everything that really matters in life! Hugsxxx

  • Walter Colvin

    Walter Colvin

    Absoutely Beautiful Avril, thank you for sharing your great talent with us.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you, dear Walter!!

  • kevinmawson

    kevinmawson

    Gorgeous wprk!enjoyed the story behind the painting! thank you for sharing!

    km.

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Kevin!!

  • Anne Marie Foley

    Anne Marie Foley

    Avril it’s prefect! Thank you for creating it for Bridget – I know she loves it.. I can’t wait to get home to see the original, it has so much meaning for us all but particulary for Bridget..

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much, Anne! Bridget is very precious to me and Peter’s passing is so terribly sad. I hope you like the original! Photo’s don’t really do justice to the real work (especially when I am not great at taking good photo’s). Hope I get to see you again when you visit!! Hugsxxx

  • Blended

    Blended

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much for the feature!!!

  • 3XEternity

    3XEternity

  • Avril Brand replied

    I am so honoured to be featured by all these wonderful groups!! Thank you!

  • Marie Sharp

    Marie Sharp

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much for the feature in your very special group!!! My humble appreciation!!

  • Lynn Moore

    Lynn Moore

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you for the feature! Art is a great therapy and your feature means so much to me!!

  • cheska

    cheska

    wow, and it’s the inspiring stories behind beautiful inspiring pieces !

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you so much cheska!!!

  • TREVOR IRWIN

    TREVOR IRWIN

    Avril, ever since I first seen your art here on RB, I have been inspired and blessed by its sheer beauty. This is so precious to me as It reminds of Childhood days when we would walk through the the fordross forest near where I was raised as a boy in Ireland. The bluebells were like a carpet that God had laid and It was so beautiful. This is an instant Favourite and I love it. Well done Avril. I invite all to Please drop in and visit my Charity website:
    http://www.philadelphia33.org/
    See all my art and video at:
    http://www.missionary.smugmug.com/

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you Trevor. I love the bluebells too… it is such a blessing to have the eyes to see it and the hands to paint it! I wish you every success in the wonderful work you do!

  • cat22foles

    cat22foles

    Avril it’s Beautiful, it brought tears to my eye’s, i miss them both sooo much and i know Pete is in dad’s care now, Bridget is so happy with it and i know it brings her great comfort!! with love from Catherinexxx

  • Avril Brand replied

    Thank you for your wonderful and kind words, Catherine! Bridget is so special to me and it is such an honour and privilege to know her and her family! Hugsxxx

  • Scott d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida 28 days ago

    outstanding,

  • Avril Brand replied 5 days ago

    Thank you dear Scott!

  • K Bock

    K Bock 5 days ago

    i got rushes all up my spine and all over my head when i viewed this painting!
    What a heavenly work of art, incredibly beautiful!!
    and a touching narrative ~ thank you so much for sharing this with us

  • Avril Brand replied 5 days ago

    Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I am happy to know that you enjoy the painting!

Add your comment

You need to login or signup to add your comment to this work.