I was able to paint this weekend but not at home. I was asked to paint during all three morning services a picture that would represent us standing on the Solid Rock of Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-10 was the scripture reference and guest teacher John Politan walked us through the scripture and talked about the importance of the cornerstone of Christ. The part that I cling to, is in verses 9 and 10:

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own posession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

I chose my painting(s) to be during daylight and to show a man - who with outstretched arms is receiving Christ's mercy. This man can receive this because he stands on the solid rock of Christ.
It's sometime frustrating to do a painting to the quality that I would like to do in less than 20 minutes, but I am humbled that people feel the need to take pictures with their phones and ask me questions about the painting after the service. I paint for the audience of One and it is God who provides the blessing to others. I am so grateful that He uses me even when I am at my weakest.

Just like the man in the painting, I am so grateful for God's mercy, for His forgiveness that washes all the muck, gross and stupid things I have done in my life. I could not live without that in my life. If you have questions about what that kind of forgiveness can do for you, please let me know. I would love an opportunity to talk to you about it.

Adding on to the painting

After a long day at work, it was nice to spend a few hours with Matthew. Again, prayers were lifted for his family and other friends and family were brought to mind as well. A blessing to end the day this way.

Starting on Matthew

For a way to help deal with the grief of losing Matthew Fleming, I asked Michelle for some pictures of him so that I could do a painting for the family.

I didn't realize how hard this would be for me, not from a technical standpoint but from the heart. My only desire is to do Matthew justice with each stroke. I am going to take pictures at the end of each session I paint, so we can all witness the progress. As I finished yesterday I was struck by how our lives are very much like a painting, we live each day stroke by stroke and eventually the details begin to show that there is whole picture that God has created in us. It is up to us to make each stroke count.

The Blank Page - Getting ready to start. This is 16"x20", 300lb paper.

One day's work.

Face details.

The Lighthouse

This painting is a gift for Dean and Charlotte Taggart. They are dear friends and the wonderful (and tolerant) parents of one of our dearest friends Jim Taggart. (We love you too, Kelli)

I painted this from a photograph of a Vancouver Island Lighthouse.

Phil's Bounty Part 2

I received some valuable feedback from the incredible artist at WetCanvas.com in the watercolor gallery. Here is the same painting reworked. I think it shows more depth.