There are many subjects I have used as my inspiration for painting through the years. My most popular have been animals, still lifes, and abstracts. One painting in particular stands out as my most challenging.
It was not particularly any more technically difficult than the rest. The colors were not hard to mix. The layout and inspiration was straightforward. What made this painting difficult was the sorrow of remembrance necessary.
Whereas, usually, my paintings are an outward extension of joy and contentment in the subject this was not. I was left facing a challenge of the mind. I wanted to, and felt that it was necessary for the painting to communicate sorrow. Even better would be to be able to share with the viewer, a sense of awe and call to action. I wanted my "dark" shadows to be as deep and dark as possible and then a hint of light on the cross itself, to remind us of the resurrection.
The painting featured here is an oil painting with sand from the Sea of Galilee at the foot of the cross. It was commissioned for use as printed poster and program cover art of the International Christian Church of Surrey, UK many years ago. The original is at a residence in Kansas City in a home above a prayer corner.
My prayer is that today, of all days, being Good Friday, they remind you of the pain and sorrow our Lord and savior went through yet also call you to act. Today is a great day to pray and be introspective of the sacrifice made for us.
Take a few minutes to appreciate His love for you. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son." John 3:16.