Wings of the Monarch

“A butterfly lights beside us, like a sunbeam…

And in a brief moment it’s glory 

and beauty belong to the world….

But then it flies on again, and although

we wish it could have stayed, 

we are so thankful to have seen it at all.”

                                                         – Author Unknown

Butterflies have always been a symbol of transformation. To think that something that was once unappealing can stow away in a cocoon and emerge into the world a beautiful creature is something that is unique only to the butterfly. For the rest of us transformation is not quite that easy. But I also believe that butterflies, like cardinals, are an indication that loved ones who have passed on have come back for a visit.

My maternal grandmother passed away in 2003 at 91 years old. Her farm contained a large barn that had on it a 60 foot mural advertising the farm. In 2007 the mural had become faded and in disrepair and needed to be repainted. I spent a week in the air on a scaffold adding a fresh coat of paint to pay homage to the woman who was loved and lost, but never forgotten. When I had finished adding the last strokes of paint to this wonderful piece, by far, the largest piece I have ever painted, I stepped down from the scaffold and stood back to look at my work. I looked down at my feet and saw a butterfly standing next to me as if it was examining the mural, as well. It stood there for the longest time and even though it would flutter its wings, it never seemed to want to leave. It even rubbed its legs together like it was giving me a round of applause. ( I’m reading into that, of course, but it’s nice to think it’s true). I didn’t need to know any more to know that my grandmother had shown up for a visit to give her approval. I took so many pictures of it, which I still have and I like to look at them from time to time, to remind myself that the people we love never really leave us in the end, they just transform to something even more beautiful.

That is what is so amazing about this painting: we all want to be able to spend just a little more time with loved ones that have passed on, and now, in a special way you can. I painted Wings of the Monarch as a way to remember those special people that mean the most to us.

So if you are looking for a unique gift for a loved one or even for yourself to keep close the memories that we love so much. Wings of the Monarch is an original, hand-painted 8″ x 8″ ceramic tile, painted in acrylics and is framed in a 1″ wide lime-green wood frame and is ready to hang. The ceramic tile is 8″ x 8″ and the finished piece is 9″ x 9″ so it is a small piece the is a perfect addition to your summer decor.

Orders are processed 1-2 days after purchase. Each order is shipped FREE within the US by USPS 2-3 Day Flat-Rate Shipping.

International buyers, please contact me using the form below with your address and I will get back to you with a shipping quote. International buyers are responsible for all duties and/or fees.

Please Note: I try to photograph in the best lighting possible, so colors can vary based on the electronic device. Some photos are taken without varnish applied because lighting can sometimes cause a glare to the tiles. But, rest assured, your finished piece will have a beautiful, shiny resin finish.

Have any questions about this painting? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!