March 2024 – inspired

My painting “Jesus Christ on the Cross; the Easter Story” is nearly finished – I will paint the last part of this LIVE on Easter Sunday, March 31 in Savannah, Georgia. The event is open to the public, but for security reasons I’ll leave the time/place details offline. Please request more information if you want to attend in person. Below is the video of the painting so far, from blank canvas to how it looks today, and under the video I’ll explain what this painting means.

My new painting “Jesus Christ on the Cross; the Easter Story” tells the story of Easter. Before the cross, a woman washes Jesus’ feet with her hair. I hope that when people look at this part of the painting, they feel love and sorrow, gratitude for what Jesus did.

Next, came the cross, which was emotional to paint.

I couldn’t bear to invade Jesus’ privacy by painting too many details. If I’d been painting this from the perspective of Jesus, I would have had his eyes open looking up at the Father. But this is from our perspective, and his eyes are nearly closed, because we are sad to see him in anguish.

The rocks at the bottom of the painting came together while praying, and represent the church. You can see the paths/aisles to the cross, where all are welcome to be at Jesus’ feet, just like that woman had done.

Along the way are flowers meant to resemble those that grew wild during Biblical times known as Bird’s Foot Trefoil. Its flowers have three parts, which could represent the trinity. These flowers grow wild in the Mediterranean, in Israel, and can be considered weeds.

Sometimes the world sees us as weeds, but God sees us as beautiful flowers. Redemption. Also, the flowers are yellow/gold, which symbolize the joy of the risen Savior. Note: I painted the flowers live at an event on March 5. I will share more about that at a later time.

Finally, we have what happens next, and that’s a secret until Easter when I paint the final session live. Maybe you can guess what it is? I will post the finished painting on or slightly after Easter, which is only a little over a week away! Then you’ll see if your guess was right.

Do you feel ready for Easter? During this season leading up to Easter, many people practice Lent, and others are reflective in different ways. What is weighing on your heart? What is lifting your spirit?

God loves you and you were born for this specific day and time. May you soon feel the joy of spring and Easter, as the time is now close at hand! My roses are starting to bloom and the sun is shining upon us for more hours of the day. Joy is near! God bless you and keep you, this day and always.