What is the Meaning of this?

What is the meaning of this? 
 
For every painting there is a moment when it happens, the well meaning soul stands in front of it and asks themselves, What is the meaning of this work of art? 
 
I’ve been asked, and my answer is generally the same all the time. I’m not a particularly philosophical painter, more nostalgic than anything I suppose, but I don’t labor for hours to come up with some deep multilayered reason or motivation for rending a painting. In fact, as it goes, I prefer to leave that answer blank and ask what does it mean to you? 
 
I’m 56 years old, 50 of those years have been devoted either as a hobby or later in life as my bread and butter, the way I make my living, the means by which I support my children, pay their education, etc, etc. Along the way I have encountered many descriptions given as to what my paintings are being purchased for. Some say décor, some say a collection, others say they love autumn, or bright colours. Once in a while I get feedback that goes deeper, further than all the rest. Tales of life events that completely knock me off my feet. There have been those who tell me of a relative who has passed who loved to walk in a certain place and this painting brings it all back for them. Or a painting that reminds them of great memories of kids camp. Many tell of how my painting hangs in their office at work and reinds them of the great outdoors that they work so hard to get back to every weekend. 
 
Today I heard from a client/friend who recently acquired a very large painting of mine. It had to be shipped and the tension felt by both of us while it was en route in trucks and delivery vehicles over a thousand miles was a little like sending your kid on an airplane alone for the first time…you count the minutes till word comes that arrival is safe and sound. 
 
Such was the case of this shipment. Today I received a photo of the newly unboxed painting sitting in its new home, how wonderful! 
 
So, as I do with most all of my clients I asked to learn a little of her story and how she came to choose my art. As is often the case the story was one for the record books. In this particular situation the painting would become a retirement gift to herself, and not just that, but as she is house bound and confined to a wheel chair, this big painting would be as a portal to another place. A place that she loves where the snow is crisp, the breeze whistles through the pines and the moonlight dances on the sparkling snow. 
 
That word, Portal, speaks volumes to me. A window to another place! We cannot all go there. Not just because of confinement but sometimes because of work, family, or other constraints. So the painting becomes much more than just a picture on the wall.
 
That is what the meaning of this is, and that’s the meaning I love the most. Gives this artist a deeper reason to paint. 
 
 
RM
 
Comments and feedback encouraged.