Lust for Life

I had just finished reading the book about Van Gogh by Irving Stone called "Lust for Life', a Christmas gift from my sister. I was taken with the story. I already knew much about Van Gogh but the author really allowed you to get a sense of the artist and his goodness and earnestness. The book made it's way into my still life and the light on the roses speaks to a merry joyousness and optimism I think....a lust for life!

This painting received an Honorable Mention in the Still Life category in the annual Pastel Journal's 2011 Pastel 100 competition.