Woman Praising

Acrylic on canvas 24" x 30"

Woman Praising

The woman praising is an isolated figure in an outdoor setting. Having a private praising moment. I wanted to create an uplifting, confident, and joyful image. It's not about putting a show on for other people. What I mean by that is sometimes praising becomes a production of, look at me world, look at me, I'm loud and I'm praising praising God, look at me!

Don't give me wrong, there's nothing wrong with shouting and screaming and jumping up-and-down the aisles. There are legit loud praises. Some people have really intense testimonies, it is justifiable to praise loudly. The other side of that are the performers, the ones who are attention seekers. But there are moments where you have quiet praises. Yes, I grant you that there are people who are dead in spirit and a powerful sermon may go over their heads. But just because someone is sitting quietly it doesn't mean they're not having their special moment with God. When you think of how God has brought you through so many things, it's OK to have different responses. Sometimes, you need a quiet time, of solitude when praising God.

We praise your Holy Name

Acrylic on canvas 24"x 30"

We praise your Holy Name

This was a special project because I had a vision of people singing and shouting their praises to God. Everyone's hand was up in unison. This is one of the few ideas that thumbnail sketches weren't necessary. The vision was so clear that I immediately sketch it onto the canvas!

It takes place outdoors. The praisers are standing on grass. There is a vast blue sky. The sunshine is shining bright across the sky. 

The painting was reproduced on programs for a Mount Hermon Baptist Church conference workshop called “Back to Basics”.