ADVENT WIND

Journey to Bethlehem

Oil on Panel for 

Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary

Book and Video

By Ascension Press

With every birth of a new child, parents go through a uniquely powerful journey together. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, anxieties and hopes.  As I imagined Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, I could not help but wonder how their “Birth Journey” might have been like.  I imagined Mary, trying to balance on the back of a donkey while Joseph leads them both through a harsh environment. In this painting, Mary relies on Joseph for support, both physically and emotionally. Joseph walks boldly and steadfast. Internally, however, he may be full of fears and anxieties of his own. Both of them showing their resilience, their trust in God, and the loving support they have for each other.

In this painting there are two, personally, favorite moments. The first one is Mary’s hand on Joseph’s shoulder. It’s such a sweet moment that brings the both of them together in a very loving way. The other moment is the blowing wind. The wind not only alludes to the harsh adversity of their experience, but it also hints to the presence of the Holy Spirit as they journey together.

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. 

Windward Breeze

8"x10" Oil on Gessoed Panel

with Palette Knife

SOLD

Fresh Catch Series #1

This is the first installment of my new costal-inspired painting series called "Fresh Catch." Today's fresh catch is a plein-air painting of dunes on a breezy afternoon at Inlet Beach, Florida.