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Guest post by Deirdre M. Folley Have you ever been at a loss when it comes time to choose a gift for your loved one?  Whether you're a gift-giving maven or gift-giving-challenged, I think the story of Micah's thoughtful First Anniversary gift will inspire you. Newlyweds Micah and Megan had agreed that they would not exchange presents for their first year anniversary. John and I have certainly been in that boat! In a busy season (in this case, a baby on the way), it does take the pressure off to know that you won't disappoint your spouse if there's a mutual agreement that no gift is necessary nor expected. But Micah had other schemes in mind. "Megan's father is a great gift giver. He's always great about giving his wife and daughters flowers - always so on top of it. I know I cannot compete," Micah told John of the family he'd married into. When they discussed exchanging gifts on their first anniversary, Megan agreed that Micah could give her flowers - just flowers. "As I approached the end of the first year of marriage I wanted to give my wife something special. She loves flowers, especially ranunculus. Their rose-like blossoms have tissue-thin petals and come in a range of beautiful colors. The dilemma I faced is that these exquisite flowers fade quickly. Thus the idea was born to capture these flowers permanently." - Micah  So the commission that John received was to paint a small oil painting - one small enough to fit standing up on Megan's desk, the way a vase of flowers would be set - of her favorite kind of flower, the ranunculus. "It was a fun occasion for me to have some beautiful, florist-sent blooms in the studio," says John, "since of course I wanted to work from life to capture these flowers with all their delicacy and liveliness." We ordered a selection of the blooms and John chose the best colors for his composition, narrowing down on just a few in order to fit their detail onto a demure 8"x6" canvas. "Working with John on the idea was a delight and he captured their beauty and delicacy perfectly!" Micah told me, "My wife proudly displays her favorite flowers on our living room mantle for all to see and enjoy knowing they will always be in full bloom."  Of course, the final cleverness of Micah's commission is that the first wedding anniversary is traditionally observed as the Paper Anniversary; thus, the gift delivered on canvas (close enough to paper!) ties in doubly well in this case. We were impressed with Micah's thoughtfulness in bringing this project to John, and delighted to see it come to fruition in time for a late Fall anniversary. Our best wishes to the newlyweds, now one year in!  'Paper Anniversary' 8"x6" oil on canvas If you're interested in commissioning your own piece, be sure to take a look at my commissions page.
If you were to plan a commissioned fine art gift this year, what would be the occasion?
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To learn more about this piece, check out yesterday's blog post. For now, just a few final glimpses at the painting and then on to the auction rules! Hydrangea Tea framed 18"x20", oil on canvas was $3640 starting bid: $900  
Auction rules:
Good luck!
Last week's auction on Dulcinea was a great time - we're looking forward to Round 2! Before I say anything else: a big thanks to those who bid (and won!) and also to those who reached out to let us know what paintings they'd like to see put up for auction. If you haven't told me yet what your favorite painting(s) is/are, please do so now! Drop me a line at john@johnfolley.com! We haven't finished deciding what will come up next in this Crazy Auction series, so your input will be carefully considered! Without further ado: Today's 2nd Crazy Auction painting is Tea and Twine!  Tea and Twine 14"x11" oil on canvas frame included If you're familiar with my still life portfolio, you know that I tend towards painting more formal scenes. This still life was a little more playful for me, with the more casual elements and brights colors. Here I let the few simple objects speak for themselves. In keeping with my theme of spouted vessels, I chose the tea kettle mostly for its popping and vivid color! A sort of tea time feeling came through with the buttery color of the twine... A kettle and some twine have a practical feeling, but clearly there's time for enjoyment when it comes to stacking sugar cubes! I can see this painting in a kitchen, a breakfast nook, a dining room, a sitting room... and anywhere that could use some beauty and warmth and the kind breath of calm and cheer that comes with a peaceful pause on an afternoon. We have updated the rules slightly, so please read through below! Auction rules:
Good luck!
This is the auction page! Please read the rules at the bottom of this post and leave your bids in the comments! Good luck!  Dulcinea oil on canvas 14"x22"   Please read the auction rules here:
This auction will close tomorrow, Friday the 16th, at midnight!
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AuthorHello there, I'm John H. Folley, an oil painter in the Boston School tradition. Thanks for visiting the Beauty Advocacy Blog, where it's my job to help you become a more discerning art appreciator. 
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