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Ever wonder how artists come up with names for their paintings?  Me too.

 

It wasn’t until I entered my first art show that I realized that not only did I have to paint the picture, I also had to name it!  All art exhibitions require a name, even if it’s “Untitled”.   At first it wasn’t such a problem.  I was painting botanicals of flowers mostly, so the name was simply a label of what the painting was about - “Marilyn Monroe HT Rose”, “Abraham Lincoln Rose”, etc.  When I started painting still life, however, it got progressively more difficult.  After enduring snickers from entry clerks when I entered paintings into shows with mundane names like “Peppers and Onions”, “Tomatoes #2”, “Pink Rose in Vase”, etc.  I realized that I needed to come up with more creative names. 

 

But naming a painting can be a challenge.  I try to come up with a name that expresses what I most want to accentuate in the piece. “All About the Blue”, “So Very Red” - both were paintings that focused on the color I was emphasizing.  Sometimes the name just springs into my mind while I’m painting the piece - “This Little Piggy”, “Contemplation”; it just fits sometimes.  But other times, I just can’t think of a catchy name.  And that’s a problem, because the perfect name goes a long way toward helping the painting resonate with viewers. 

 

Greg used to be my go-to problem solver when it came to naming paintings.  I once asked for his suggestions on naming a still life that was comprised of some pears – three whole pears and a half pear.  He studied it for a few minutes and came up with the perfect name “1.75 Pairs of Pears”.  I admit I had to think about that one, but –O.K.  Sounded better than “Pears” anyway.  I entered it into a show under that name and it sold to –who else - an accountant!  I’m quite sure the name helped make the sale!

 

"1.75 Pairs of Pears", watercolor on paper

But once in a while the name comes to mind before the painting is even begun and serves as the inspiration for, and heart of the piece.  Such is the case with my latest painting “Roses for Mary Ellen”. 

 

So as my friend Barb recently asked me - “Who is Mary Ellen anyway?”  Glad you asked Barb.  I really don’t know.  I picked up the silver champagne goblet I used in the painting at a second hand store quite some time ago.  When I recently got it out to use it I started polishing it and noticed a sweet little surprise.  There on the lip of the goblet was a tiny name, “Mary Ellen” engraved in delicate script.  I realized that this was probably a wedding champagne goblet used in a toast by the bride and groom.  A gift perhaps from the Maid of Honor?  But, what happened?  Where is the groom’s glass?  Why didn’t Mary Ellen keep it?  Maybe the marriage didn’t work out.  Maybe she died and her kids gave it away. Maybe someone stole it and pawned it. Or maybe she just was cleaning out her cupboards one day and figured she could live without it.  I wish I knew. 

 

I felt a little sad that Mary Ellen’s goblet ended up sitting on a dusty shelf at a second hand store, so filling it with lovely white roses and painting it was the least I could do for her.  I will never know who Mary Ellen is or was.  But I’m happy I found her name on that goblet.  It made the still life feel just a little more special - and naming the painting especially easy! 

 

So thanks Mary Ellen for the use of your beautiful silver wedding goblet, and Cheers to you - wherever you are.