Sure On This Shining Night

20"x24" 

Oil on Canvas

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Sure on this shining night

Of starmade shadows round,

Kindness must watch for me

This side the ground.

The late year lies down the north. 

All is healed, all is health.

High summer holds the earth.

Hearts all whole.

Sure on this shining night 

I weep for wonder 

Wandering far alone

Of shadows on the stars.

– James Agee

Choral Arrangement by by Morten Lauridsen

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Pie Jesu

20"x24"x1.5"
Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

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Our choir has the privilege to sing John Rutter's Requiem this spring. One of my favorite pieces in this work is Pie Jesu. The full text in english is:

Blessed Jesus, 
Lord I pray,
in Thy mercy,
Grant them rest.
Grant them rest eternal.
Lord our God,
I pray Thee,
Lord our God, 
We pray Thee,
Grant them everlasting rest.

It is a beautiful song with haunting undertones overcome by ascending grace. The song makes a most beautiful prayer. To paint it, I wanted to capture the mixture of deep longing, communal faith and brilliant hope. The painting is also a theological mix of interaction between a community of faith and God. The highest and most beautiful parts of the soprano solo are represented with the bright yellow streak ascending upward. It makes for a nice blending of both personal and corporate prayer. 

Although a requiem is mainly intended for loved ones who have passed on, the song and the painting are an expression for all prayers—especially prayers for intercession and peace.

Autumn Retreat

20"x24" Oil on Deep-Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

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Time for a break. I have forgotten that the tradition of Lenten discipline allows for beaks—specifically on Sundays which are considered "Mini-Easters." Grace abounds—even in Lent. 

Since I forgot to take a break last Sunday, my posts are a day off. Therefore, I will be taking a break from the "40 Days" posts for the next two days to get everything back on track. Otherwise, I'll be all finished before Holy Week even starts, and we just can't have that. But don't worry, I have plenty of new paintings to share during the break. Here is a serene fall painting to enjoy.