New Earth

12"x12" Oil on Deep Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

As an artist, I’m very aware of the concept of “work in progress.” It’s that messy stage of a painting that lives between inspiration and completion. Often times, many artists are reluctant to share their “WIPs” with others for fear of judgment or rejection of their unfinished work. The audience cannot see the end result. It exists only in the mind’s eye of the artist. 

This year’s Advent scriptures show us images of a world changing into a new creation of joy, justice and peace. From beating swords into plowshares to lions and fatlings lying together, the images of God’s kingdom abound in these ancient texts of hope. 

Two thousand years after Christ, however, we struggle to find where these dreams have come fully true. But if we look at God’s work of grace though Jesus Christ as a WIP, the discrepancies make more sense. 

During Advent we live out this mystery. We celebrate by remembering the Prophets of old, longing for the Advent of Emmanuel. By doing so, we also wait for Christ’s return. Christ has come. Christ will come again. And somewhere in between, we continue in the WIP of the kingdom.

The painting for this year’s “Joy to the World” Advent theme is called “New Earth.” The inspiration comes from Revelation 21, where we are shown images of a new heaven and a new earth. The painting depicts a future earth, full of joy and peace, in orbit with the Christ star. It is to give us perspective and hope when we are discouraged in our season of working and waiting. We are all a work in progress. We need these images from scripture to glimpse the big picture from God, the master painter, and keep ourselves motivated to work towards the completion of God’s masterpiece of grace.

40 Days: Day 3: Let There Be Light

5"x7" Acrylic on Canvas

Available

Last fall, I visited our local Synagogue. During one of the prayers, there was a line about God creating light. There was a footnote on the page that explained that the line is more accurately translated as a "mixing" of light—as a painter would mix color. As an artist, I just loved that image of God mixing the cosmos like colors on a palette. It is also a beautiful way of thinking about the Incarnation—the Light of the World mixing into the lives of humanity. And what does that mean for us when Christ tells us that WE are light to the world?

For this meditation, I played with simple black and white acrylic—starting with the black and mixing in the light with a brush. 

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge—Day 30.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Author: Thomas Ken

AMEN! Another 30 paintings in 30 days is completed. For today's final painting, I chose to do another hymn abstract. I have had the most fun painting these. It is such a refreshing change to paint completely from feelings and impressions. I can think of no better finale than the Doxology.

I have learned a lot in the past 30 days. Interestingly enough, I find myself in a completely different place, as a painter, from where I had expected to be at the beginning of the month.

Many thanks to all of you who have followed along and commented on my paintings. Your comments mean more than you can ever know. I have more projects in the making and many other small painting subjects still yet to do. So keep checking in to see new works.

Blessings be with you all.

Azaleas

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

Today’s painting of Azaleas is dedicated to mothers everywhere.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Winter Hymn

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife
$50.00 + Shipping
SOLD

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge—Day 2.

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon traveling through Kentucky. A fresh blanket of snow was on the ground. From a crisp, clear sky, the bright sun revealed magical scenes of light and shadow. The humble countryside, that had once been overlooked and taken for granted, displayed its true majesty—adorned with sun and snow.

And the Spirit of God Moved Over the Waters

Since this is my genesis as a blogger, I thought this would be the appropriate starting piece. It is an idea on a passage from the first verses of Genesis. When the world was formless chaos, the spirit of God moved over the waters. Like a rising dawn, God's Grace conquers the darkness and calms the tidal forces of chaos. This passage begins a long history of special relationship between water and Grace. From the flood, to the calming of storms, to baptism, God continues to use this element of life to remind us of God's creating, and re-creating, love for the world.

There are actually two versions of this painting in existence. One was bought by a church, the other was commissioned to be reproduced at a larger size for a family. The husband is a Sea Captain. Whether you are on land or at sea, I hope you find peace and comfort in the loving God who is Lord over the chaos of life.