The Last Supper

24" x 36" Acrylics on canvas

The Last Supper

I mentioned some time ago on this blog that I enjoyed certain challenges. What in the world was I thinking when I decided to do a remake of the last supper. Presently on display at Mount Hermon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

The size was a challenge because I don't think I have a work this large of my life. It was amusing watching my niece’s reaction. She would watch me as I would place together the sketches. Deciding on the placement of each of the characters was challenge because I was afraid to make mistakes. I decided to push fear out by the way! You can't hold on to fear. That's not what Art is about! 
The research was another task to overcome. I love Leonardo DA Vinci's Version of the Last Supper, but I simply wanted to tackle it and use a more humble/rustic scene. I remember asking The late Bishop Jackson for guidance, even with art history knowledge, I wanted to do it right. I asked him about how it was back in the time, his answer was always been how is in the Bible. I took the as a cue as read your Bible, girl!……. LOL. I understood his response because everyone has their interpretation of the environment during the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples. It was important for me to read and study the Bible. It was up to me to do complete research to illustrate my interpretation of the last supper so I thought...... My little helper, my niece, Jocelyn, really came through. This young lady has the combination of Sunday school knowledge since the age of four. Also, she has been in Catholic school since the first grade. She is extraordinary.

One thing that Leonardo DA Vinci had that I didn't was obviously, a commission to create a mural as a church restoration by his Paton, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan Italy. I kid you not, I really study years of art history from high school and throughout college. I am surprised that I remembered anything from the classes. 

The materials and supplies came out of my pocket. This was a passion project and I wanted to see it through. I want to see it completed.

The Bishop Jackson was so amazed about the completed painting, he wanted to discuss with the church for possible purchases……

Father and son in Praise

18" x 24" Acrylic on canvas board

Father and son in Praise

The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the extraordinary bond between a father and his son. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, filled with kindness, support, and compassion. Perhaps these are the main factors needed to teach a boy to become a man, a strong man. This fascinating relationship, becomes even stronger when the father teaches his son how to develop a strong relationship with God through praising.

My plans for a future painting is flip the script and explore the relationship between father and daughter and mother and son.

When will I find the time? I don't know! But because It's in my heart, it might be sooner than I think.

Mother and daughter in prayer

Mother and daughter in prayer 

 The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the strong bond between a mother and daughter. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, is very supportive, nurturing, resilient, and unconditional. With all those factors in the mix, this amazing relationship, becomes even stronger when the mother teaches her daughter how to develop a strong relationship with God through prayer.

......... I have seen some daughters have mothers who were not physically or emotionally available for various reasons, rise above their circumstances and determined to be the moms they never had.

Ballet spotlight

Ballet spotlight

OK guys, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. I enjoy all forms of dance.

I believe that dancers are the most underrated performers. They are true athletes. The stamina alone that it takes to perform is mind blowing. 

This ballerina, is poised and confident. The dancer is at the moment with all her passion comes through from her tippy toes to her fingertips. The spotlight shines above just as it falls towards the dancer's position.

Matisse acrylic paints were used for this task. What I enjoy the most about the paint, is the texture. It is smooth with each brush-stroke. It's also true to color. I painted with ease. It also gives the look of a pastel feel to the painting. 

Pastels are a passion of mine as well as dance and I feel like this paint gave the work justice.

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.

Holy

Acrylic on canvas board 18" x 24"

Holy

The painting was made with the intention of showing a majestic figure, slightly transparent, levitating while in the praying hands position. The figure is wearing a choir robe in the color red.

The significance of the color red in the bible are blood of Jesus, love of God, and salvation.

The image, in the painting, represents devotion to the service of God. To be kind and helpful to others. To love everyone like God loves everyone. Slow to take offense.

This painting means so much to me because I realize that we are in this together. Everyone has to help one another. I try every day to treat people the way I wanted to be treated. To be helpful, to be kind, show empathy, and slow to take offense. It is not easy to do. I have to remind myself  this lesson just about every day because," some people will try you"!

Meek is not weak, meek is STRONG!!

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”.