Showing posts with label Image/Series Synopsis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Image/Series Synopsis. Show all posts

Desertscape Series Image Synopsis

This group of small paintings was initiated to help me with my compositional layouts for future surrealistically styled works.  (Most of these paintings are 9 x12 and smaller.)  When I sketch, it’s just black and white line sketches, so these smaller paintings help me to explore different color combos and land placement, as well as, define the themes a little more. 

When considering various themes, I focus on the overall mood, which is peaceful and calm, so I tend to shy away from turbulent skies and a lot of “action” taking place in the painting.

For the figures, I’ll choose:

1) One or two figures either wandering around in the desert trying to determine the best path OR

2) A person lying down at rest. (Recouping after a long journey, healing after a hurt, or dreaming) OR

3) A figure sitting prayerfully at the foot of a cross, viewing a cross at a distance or just a simple cross in the desert, which can be used to help communicate:

• The peacefulness of focusing on Jesus’ presence in our lives.

• Taking time to contemplate Jesus’ work on the cross.

• Pondering the path of faith that we travel along with Jesus.

• The beauty of the rugged cross.


I also look at the spiritual aspects involved: Is Christ specifically represented in the composition by a cross, Christlike figure, or other Christian symbol?   Or does His visual absence in the scenario speak louder?    If so, how could this be interpreted by the viewer?      Positive or negative?

Synopsis: Thorns & Thistles

This abstract painting series was initiated in early spring 2010 as a result of a commission request for more paintings in the Band Series.

(The point of interest in the Band Series is the way the “band” was painted.  A lot of retarder was used to slow the dying process so that the paint could be “scratched” away from the band area, thus bringing the under-painting to the forefront again. This gave the painting a very unique depth and texture. )

As I was starting more Band paintings, I decided to change my technique up a little, which resulted in a thorny/prickly look. I really liked the new textured look and decided to develop the theme a bit further: the purpose of thorns in nature, common reference of thorns as something that must be endured and Christ’ Crown of Thorns.

• Thorns in nature are protective mechanisms found on plants to keep humans, animals and insects at bay in order to guard itself, its fruit or its flower. (Roses, Cacti, etc.)


• The phrase “thorn in my side” is used often to describe a painful situation or constant nuisance. The Apostle Paul mentioned it in reference to an issue/ailment that he had, which was not removed after prayer. This thorn in the side served as a reminder to Paul that God’s grace was enough in addition to keeping him humble. (For more info, please see 2 Cor 12:1-10)


• Christ’s Crown of Thorns was given to Him by the Roman soldiers whose purpose was to mock Him and humiliate Him after they had already beaten Him severely. Over the course of human history, the Crown of Thorns became a symbol of Jesus' suffering upon the Cross for the sake of humanity’s salvation.

The Simple Series


The Simple Series was initiated in the Spring of 2007. The number of works in this series has not been finalized. The theme behind the series has to do with simple things being more complicated than they seem, thus giving the illusion that little effort was required to bring the desired result about. In the Simple Series, basic shapes in the form of boxes and squares are used to convey the inherent complexity of simple things once other factors are considered, such as design, placement and color selection.

During my studies in early 2007, I re-read a short, simple sentence as if I were seeing it for the very first time….artistically speaking. Follow me. Two simple words. One directive. Numerous implications. "Follow Me." That's what Jesus said to His future disciple in Gospel of Matthew. Those two little words: "Follow Me" may be the most profound invitation ever extended to mankind. A simple sentence that is incredibly complicated.

To truly Follow Him, and be a disciple of Christ, there are many things that we must experience and lay down along the way. Things such as pride, envy, slander, gossip, greediness and the like, have to be cast down and replaced with humility, thankfulness, obedience, etc. The Christian experience can be difficult from time to time, but if we are diligent to pray, asking for wisdom and grace, we will change….little by little, day by day.


Matt 5: 27-28: After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. "Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.





The Abstract Series


The Abstract Series was started in midwinter of 2006. I consider the Abstract Series to be a forerunner to the Grid and Genesis Series.


This group of textured paintings was the first to be created using Golden Heavy Gel in order to form peaks and texture on the canvas. Once the gel dried, various colors were glazed over each other, resulting in 5+ layers of paint in order to achieve maximum vibrancy for each painting. As far as an actual theme goes, my sole purpose in creating this series was for experimental reasons so that I could learn a new application technique and use that knowledge in future works.

The Grid Series


The Grid Series was initiated in the early spring of 2006 while I was still working on the Abstract series. I consider both of these series to be forerunners to the Genesis Series.

The theme of the paintings in this group were inspired by light and energy intersected by lines. This was to cause visual “static” and communicate the effects of gridlock. Example: When we get going in a direction, we are charged up and excited about it and can’t wait to reach our goal or destination, but if the road turns sharply or dead ends, we have to take a turn and go with it or go in another direction altogether. 

All of the paintings in the Grid series consist of a textured under-painting, followed by various colors glazed over each other, resulting in 5+ layers of paint to achieve maximum vibrancy.

Fractured


The painting ‘Fractured’ began in December of 2007 as a part of the set for the Christmas Production at Elevate Life Church in Frisco, TX. The final touches to the painting were completed in January of 2008.

The scene that ‘Fractured’ was created for was the living room of a couple whose marriage was on the rocks because they were having difficulty conceiving. The set that was designed for them was done in black and white to convey the lifelessness of their relationship.
As a result of their struggles, they had a lot of shame, blame and conflict. It was as if their relationship was being shattered and the shards of their lives were being scattered all around them. It wasn’t until they came to a place of brokenness in their lives and having their faith renewed, that they were able to reconnect and have peace & love restored to their marriage.

The Genesis Series


The Genesis series has been initiated to honor the handiwork of God in His creation. It is the largest painting series that I have yet to produce and will consist of 50 paintings when it is completed. (There are 50 chapters in the book of Genesis.)
Before starting this series, I did research on the book of Genesis, which was life altering. My particular interest and focus for the Genesis series is on the molecular level of creation and how Father God designed these tiny particles to come together in the formation of other things.

When I think of creation, I am overwhelmed by the passion and attention to detail that Father God invested in us and our surroundings. To briefly sum up this painting series, I have listed some thoughts and key words that have flooded my heart and mind when I contemplate God's hand in motion, putting everything together so magnificently.

A void has been filled and light has pierced the darkness. The expanse of the sky has been created. Land has been formed and has gathered the waters together, while bringing forth vegetation as He willed it to do so. The sun, moon and stars were formed and set in place to shed light upon the earth in order to govern the night and the day. Sea life has been created to teem the waters, birds to spread their wings in the skies and animals to roam across the land. The crowning moment of Creation was the making of man. He was formed from the dust of the earth, in the image of his Creator, and given the very breath of life from his loving God. After all of His work was completed, Father God looked upon it and proclaimed "it is very good." (Genesis Chapter 1)

In the Genesis series, some paintings have a more "refined" composition while others illustrate a more "raw" look at creation in motion. The following key words, in addition to the brief Genesis summation listed above, are utilized in the creative process for this series.

Creation of atoms and molecules
Particles and atoms churning
Formation of molecular structures
Cellular division and multiplication
Energy ebbing & flowing
Radiance
Newness
Uniqueness
Flesh and bone
Life

Love

I'm working....slowly

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