THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Colorful wildflowers blanket the field in the foreground. My original plan was to have only Red Poppies, but Spring calls my heart. Besides, to me Spring is the season of Renewal and Rebirth, symbolic of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the new creation we become through our belief in Him. What better way to celebrate than with a cornucopia of God’s beautiful flowers? You may click on any picture to view an enlargement.

The myriad green hues of the foliage are painted around the masses of Red Poppies, Orange California Poppies and Yellow Daisies, helping to shape their blossoms.

Red Poppy petals, accented by the sun, are highlighted with pure Cadmium Red Light.

Signifying the Blood shed by Jesus to redeem us from our sins, a clump of Red Poppies nestles at the base of the Eucalyptus Tree. Their large centers are made with a mixture of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin Original.

The same mix is used for the dark centers of the Yellow Daisies.

Deep impressions in the middle of the Orange California Poppies are indicated with a combination of Alizarin Crimson + Liquin Original. My hand rests against the mahl stick, providing a steady base as the small details are made.

Several shades of Burnt Umber + White are used to block in the Good Shepherd’s heavy tunic. After looking at the painting, I decided to take out the palms behind the flock of sheep. I like it better with just the Olive Grove in the background.

I chose Diaxozine Purple + White for the Headwrap. Purple is the color of Royalty, as well as symbolizing humility and sorrow for Jesus’ suffering. This color is associated with Lent, the period of six weeks of sacrifice before Easter, marking the coming Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The wayward lamb, cradled safely in the arms of the Good Shepherd, once was Lost. BUT, now is Found!

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

This painting is the story of my faith journey. I grew up in the Lutheran Church but in my early twenties walked away. Not only from the church but completely away from God. I didn’t understand His unconditional love and felt I just wasn’t good enough. There was no way I could ever measure up. So, I stopped even trying, I was the Lost Lamb. Never prayed, nothing. Ended up in an abusive marriage and eventually reached the point I contemplated taking my life to end the pain. HOWEVER, even though I had forgotten Him, Our Lord NEVER forgot me. The Good Shepherd came after me by sending a gentle, compassionate believer into my life, Jack White. He helped me leave that horrible relationship, became my best friend and taught me to paint. But most importantly, during the 26 years we were happily together, Jack showed me what unconditional love was and brought me back to Jesus.

 THE GOOD SHEPHERD came for me. AND… He Comes for you.

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