I have completed the second oil painting of an ambitious series of new work. The first was a panoramic painting about Majesty, visually translating Psalm 8. (See previous post). This new work is more narrative. Early sketches were merely a reflection of an intimate experience of mine learning to surf. Between sets of small waves, the water was calm. I had not sat back on my board. Looking down into the water, I was startled by a large dark figure by my legs. A huge Striped Bass was investigating me for what seemed like minutes.
While developing this new idea, I noticed how similar the posture of my surfer was to the Crucifixion by the Northern Renaissance great Vander Weyden. I painted the final work as an homage to Vander Weyden. The message of the painting, at least to me anyway, is contemplation of the Holy Spirit. I am enjoying working from my sketchbook and creating work that is inventive. I am working to be more rooted in imagination. More work to come!
