40 Days: Day 7: Echoes

12x12 Oil on Canvas

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My life flows on in endless song;
above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]

What though my joys and comforts die?
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. [Refrain]

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? [Refrain]

Author: Robert Lowry

Tune: HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING

40 Days, Day 32, I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

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I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found him in a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one,
stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me; your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till traveling days are done.

Text: Horatius Bonar, 1846

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow 20x20

20"x20" Acrylic 
on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

with Palette Knife

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My little hymn painting based on the Doxology is now bigger and bolder. 
This is a 20'x20' Acrylic enlargement on gallery wrapped canvas. 
Nothing like adding a bit of forte to your work.

What Wondrous Love Is This 18x24

18"x24" Acrylic on Deep Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

As the lesson of Lent begins, I'm posting an enlargement of the hymn abstract of "What Wondrous Love Is This". You can see the original 8x10 here.


What Wondrous Love Is This
American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

It Is Well with My Soul 6x6

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

Commissioned

30 Paintings in 30 Days: January, 2015—Day 28

Today's painting is a 6x6 replica of my abstract based on the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul." It was commissioned by a daughter for her mother who is a lover of sacred music and recovering from illness. What a beautiful thing to know that this art will aid in the healing process and remind them of the comforting words in this beautiful hymn.

It Is Well with My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

See the original painting and the full hymn text here.

Spirit

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

30 Paintings in 30 Days: September, 2014—Day 29

Spirit, spirit of gentleness. 
Blow through the wilderness, calling and free. 
Spirit, spirit of restlessness. Stir me from placidness. 
Wind, wind on the sea. 

You moved on the waters, You called to the deep, 
Then You coaxed up the mountains. From the valley of sleep, 
And over the eons You called to each thing, 
"A wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings."

You swept through the dessert, You stung with the sand, 
And You gifted your people With a law and a land, 
And when they were blinded With their idols and lies, 
Then You spoke through Your prophets To open their eyes.

You sang in a stable, You cried from a hill, 
Then You whispered in silence When the whole world was still, 
And down in the city You called once again 
When You blew through Your people On the rush of the wind.

You call from tomorrow, You break ancient schemes, 
From the bondage of sorrow The captives dream dreams; 
Our women see visions, Our men clear their eyes. 
With bold new decisions Your people arise. 

There Is a Balm in Gilead

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

$75.00 (Unframed) + Shipping

$100.00 (Framed) + Shipping

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September 2014—Day 11

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.

A Mighty Fortress

6"x6" Oil on Panel

with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September 2014—Day 10

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right Man on our side,

the Man of God's own choosing.

You ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth his name,

from age to age the same;

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever! 

Author: Martin Luther (1529); 

Translator: Frederick H. Hedge (1852)

Tune: EIN FESTE BURG

It Is Well with My Soul 24x36

24"x36" Professional Acrylic with Palette Knife
on Deep Edged Canvas

Click HERE to Purchase

On display now thru September 30 at the Connections Gallery at 
Belle Meade United Methodist Church.

It Is Well with My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

O Master Let Me Walk with Thee 24x24

24"x24" Oil on Deep Edged Canvas

with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

On display now thru September 30 at the Connections Gallery at 
Belle Meade United Methodist Church.

O Master, let me walk with thee
in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience, still with thee
in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broadening way;
in peace that only thou canst give,
with thee, O Master, let me live.

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: January—Day 30

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: January—Day 29

O Master, let me walk with thee

in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear

the strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move

by some clear, winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience, still with thee

in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray

far down the future's broadening way;

in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.

Go Tell It

18"x24" Oil on Canvas

with Palette Knife

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“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord...

...let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

Growing up, my Cumberland Presbyterian church family richly embraced Appalachian carols during Advent and Christmas. The sanctuary, filled with evergreens and candles, was especially warmed by the heart-felt strains of fiddles, hammer dulcimers and the upright bass. The refrain “Go Tell It on the Mountain” ran through our hearts like a mountain stream and lifted us up to higher ground. 

For this Advent’s art, the image is a sunrise on Isaiah’s “mountain of the Lord.” The sun is breaking over the ridge and beginning to overcome the dark. Our diverse and colorful world, which once appeared as a mass of shadow, is being beautifully revealed. 

May we all climb up to the mountain of the Lord and be illuminated by the Word of God. May we shout that gospel Word for all to hear. May it echo all the way down to the deepest valley—over the hills and everywhere.

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

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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.

The Gift of Love

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge—Day 29.

Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.

Author: Hal H. Hopson (1972)
Tune: O WALY WALY

Be Thou My Vision

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge—Day 28.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
Great God of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Crown Him with Many Crowns

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel
with Palette Knife

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30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September—Day 21.

Crown Him with many crowns, 
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark, how the heavenly anthem drowns 
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing 
Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King 
Through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of love; 
Behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above, 
In beauty glorified:
No angel in the sky 
Can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye 
At mysteries so bright.

Crown Him the Lord of peace;
Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, 
Absorbed in prayer and praise:
His reign shall know no end;
And round His piercèd feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend 
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown Him the Lord of years,
The Potentate of time;
Creator of the rolling spheres, 
Ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! 
For Thou has died for me;
Thy praise shall never, never fail 
Throughout eternity.

Matthew Bridges (1851)

For All the Saints

6"x6" Oil on Gessoed Panel
with Palette Knife

Click HERE to Purchase

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge: September—Day 21.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

William Walsham How