E2: Lifelong Companion

Oil on Canvas
18" x 24"

This is one of the most emotional paintings that I have ever done... It is a gift for my parents' 70th anniversary. Just a few months after I finished this painting, my most loving father passed away.

My fear of losing them haunted me when I was working on this piece. Many times my right hand was painting and my left hand was wiping tears, imagining one day they could no longer hold each other. After 70 years of life together, who knows how soon the end would come, just like the unknown in front of them in this painting. 

The crackled texture on these two figures is the symbol of their tough life together. In spite of much pain over 70 years, they hold each other with great patience and love on this long bridge of life.