Divine Nature (Romans 1:20) : Feb '12
I've recently started a new painting that I'm planning on submitting for the upcoming ReThink Topeka Art Walk. The exhibit has a requirement that all artwork submitted have a Kansas theme. I've always been particularly taken with the grand views of gently rolling hills and big expansive skies around the Flint Hills area. So I knew right away that I'd like to do something along those lines for this painting. I also, however, wanted to do something that would acknowledge God (Proverbs 3:6) considering that, if accepted, this painting would have some nice visibility in the Topeka community.
The text of Romans 1:20 seemed like a perfect fit for a landscape that recognizes Christ. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood fro what has been made, so that men are without excuse" There is so much truth in that verse, that all we need do to learn more about God is recognize that there is evidence of Him in everything He made. It occurred to me that I could infuse this verse literally into the landscape by having the text itself appear as a background texture.
I accomplished this by applying a thin layer of modeling paste over an old masonite panel that I came across in the garage of my wife's grandfather. (I really kind of enjoy the idea of painting on this old board that has some unknown history). While it was still wet I repeatedly scratched the text of the verse into the paste.
Once that was dry I've began the under-painting and started blocking in the basic composition. I'm planning a dramatic sunset over a few gently slopping hills. I especially enjoy the fact that there is Scripture actually "in" this painting. I love the relationship between a painting of God's creation on top of scripture that discusses how what God has made clearly reveals His divine nature. That's also inspired the title of the painting which will be "Divine Nature". I also like the word play of the title being a quote from the verse and a reference to the fact that it's a nature painting.
After working on it at school during the February First Friday and a few more evenings in the studio the painting was finished two days prior to the submission deadline for the show. I continued to develop the colors and used some tricks from some of my printmaking images as well. In addition to the modeling paste underneath the painting, I ended up adding tissue paper and scribbling on it quite a bit with colored pencils.
*UPDATE*
The painting was accepted into the ReThink Topeka Art Walk and will be on display in a local business (don't know which one yet) in downtown Topeka on April 14th. After that it will be part of the May showing at Warehouse 414.
The text of Romans 1:20 seemed like a perfect fit for a landscape that recognizes Christ. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood fro what has been made, so that men are without excuse" There is so much truth in that verse, that all we need do to learn more about God is recognize that there is evidence of Him in everything He made. It occurred to me that I could infuse this verse literally into the landscape by having the text itself appear as a background texture.
I accomplished this by applying a thin layer of modeling paste over an old masonite panel that I came across in the garage of my wife's grandfather. (I really kind of enjoy the idea of painting on this old board that has some unknown history). While it was still wet I repeatedly scratched the text of the verse into the paste.
Once that was dry I've began the under-painting and started blocking in the basic composition. I'm planning a dramatic sunset over a few gently slopping hills. I especially enjoy the fact that there is Scripture actually "in" this painting. I love the relationship between a painting of God's creation on top of scripture that discusses how what God has made clearly reveals His divine nature. That's also inspired the title of the painting which will be "Divine Nature". I also like the word play of the title being a quote from the verse and a reference to the fact that it's a nature painting.
After working on it at school during the February First Friday and a few more evenings in the studio the painting was finished two days prior to the submission deadline for the show. I continued to develop the colors and used some tricks from some of my printmaking images as well. In addition to the modeling paste underneath the painting, I ended up adding tissue paper and scribbling on it quite a bit with colored pencils.
*UPDATE*
The painting was accepted into the ReThink Topeka Art Walk and will be on display in a local business (don't know which one yet) in downtown Topeka on April 14th. After that it will be part of the May showing at Warehouse 414.
The Birth of Redemption : Dec '11-Jan '12
After an additional six hours in my studio at home I finally decided the painting I had begun at the Advent Overflow was finished and ready to deliver to the church. We really wanted to have the painting on display for the Christmas services at FBC and I finalized my work the morning of the 23rd and hung the painting later that same afternoon.
For the most part, the additional studio time was to simply embellish the painting with more small details and emphasize some of the colors. I did make one significant revision, however, by changing the simple wood fence into a crumbling stone wall. In looking through images of ancient Bethlehem I noticed the prevelence of stone walls in and around the city. This not only added authenticity, but became a vehicle for added symbolism. You can read more about that in the description below.
The title actually came as a suggestion from my good friend Abe. I really enjoy how it alludes to all aspects of Jesus' earthly ministry. It was His sacrificial death and ressurection from the grave which made atonement for our sins and provides for our redemption in the eyes of the Lord. This was always God's plan for the salvation of the world and we see the beginning of that plan in the birth of Jesus, thus The Birth of Redemption.
I included the following description with the painting which will, as far as I'm aware, hang permanently in the lobby of FBC. My thanks to them again for allowing me the opportunity to participate in such a unique worship service!
The Birth of Redemption
This landscape showcases the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. From the moment he was born, His entire life was a series of events that fulfilled prophesy and ultimately led to his atoning death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. All these events were part of God's plan for the redemption of the world. Without the sacrifice of Jesus and His defeat over the grave, we would all be lost in our sin. However, because of God’s infinite love and grace, we are saved when we have faith in the work of Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9)
These three key events in the life of Jesus, which actually occurred within about 6.5 miles of each other, are featured within a single landscape, On the left of the canvas, nestled in a cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem, is a small nativity scene. The crosses on Calvary are placed in the middle of the canvas, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' death is the central theme of His story. On the right is the empty tomb beneath a sky with a rising sun.
A stone wall cuts across the foreground of the landscape, symbolizing the spiritual wall that often prevents us from truly knowing our Creator. When we turn away from God or try to earn His favor through our actions, we only prevent ourselves from the intimate and personal relationship He truly desires to have with us. We must instead turn ourselves over to Jesus and allow what He has already done to pave the way back to God. Just like the temple curtain which was torn (Matthew 27:51), the rock wall has been broken allowing us to pass through to the glorious light of the rising sun (son). And here, both literally and figuratively, the grass is much greener on the other side of the fence. The Bible assures us of this in Philippians 4:7 by reminding us that, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” May we all trust in Jesus more and allow him to gently guide us through his perfect plan that He has for each and every one of us. His plan of redemption which began with the birth of a child.
For the most part, the additional studio time was to simply embellish the painting with more small details and emphasize some of the colors. I did make one significant revision, however, by changing the simple wood fence into a crumbling stone wall. In looking through images of ancient Bethlehem I noticed the prevelence of stone walls in and around the city. This not only added authenticity, but became a vehicle for added symbolism. You can read more about that in the description below.
The title actually came as a suggestion from my good friend Abe. I really enjoy how it alludes to all aspects of Jesus' earthly ministry. It was His sacrificial death and ressurection from the grave which made atonement for our sins and provides for our redemption in the eyes of the Lord. This was always God's plan for the salvation of the world and we see the beginning of that plan in the birth of Jesus, thus The Birth of Redemption.
I included the following description with the painting which will, as far as I'm aware, hang permanently in the lobby of FBC. My thanks to them again for allowing me the opportunity to participate in such a unique worship service!
The Birth of Redemption
This landscape showcases the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. From the moment he was born, His entire life was a series of events that fulfilled prophesy and ultimately led to his atoning death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. All these events were part of God's plan for the redemption of the world. Without the sacrifice of Jesus and His defeat over the grave, we would all be lost in our sin. However, because of God’s infinite love and grace, we are saved when we have faith in the work of Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9)
These three key events in the life of Jesus, which actually occurred within about 6.5 miles of each other, are featured within a single landscape, On the left of the canvas, nestled in a cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem, is a small nativity scene. The crosses on Calvary are placed in the middle of the canvas, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' death is the central theme of His story. On the right is the empty tomb beneath a sky with a rising sun.
A stone wall cuts across the foreground of the landscape, symbolizing the spiritual wall that often prevents us from truly knowing our Creator. When we turn away from God or try to earn His favor through our actions, we only prevent ourselves from the intimate and personal relationship He truly desires to have with us. We must instead turn ourselves over to Jesus and allow what He has already done to pave the way back to God. Just like the temple curtain which was torn (Matthew 27:51), the rock wall has been broken allowing us to pass through to the glorious light of the rising sun (son). And here, both literally and figuratively, the grass is much greener on the other side of the fence. The Bible assures us of this in Philippians 4:7 by reminding us that, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” May we all trust in Jesus more and allow him to gently guide us through his perfect plan that He has for each and every one of us. His plan of redemption which began with the birth of a child.
