24” x 24”
Acrylic mixed media on canvas
Isaiah 30:15
I promised my son this painting over a year ago. He was 23 years old about to be 24 when I finished it. I worked 3 full days trying to send it off to Colorado with my parents in time for his birthday. Sorry it took me so long to get this lion done Logan!
Logan’s face, the sun, was in an exhibition I did fall of 2018 for Lutheran Church of Hope.
The sun is my son, the moon is my mother and the star is my niece. Their faces represent each light God created. We are all meant to reflect God’s light and be the light of the world! I wanted to include my family in the exhibit to represent the living generations carrying out God’s will. Plus it was a blast doing the plaster masks together! Make time for people you do life with…Relationships are everything!
My niece wanted to keep her plaster face to hang in her room. I told my mom and Logan I would love to turn their pieces into something they wanted as a thank you. My mom wanted a butterfly.
Logan asked for a lion. So I reused the canvases after I removed their plaster faces. I saved their faces…not sure what I’ll do with them but I saved them.
New Year’s Eve, the last day of 2019 I got started on Logan’s lion and finished a couple days into 2020. This painting ties the years together. I used some heavy duty Schluter glue to attach it to the canvas.
Once I finished the piece I drove it to the exit off hwy 80 to hand off to my parents who were driving out to Colorado so they could deliver it by his birthday. On the way to meet them the sun started shinning through some clouds and the shadow of the cross was alive, dancing on the painting. It was such a cool moment, God blessed it right before I sent it off.
I know this painting was long overdue and was much anticipated. I prayed deeply for my son as I created this. I prayed for a path of clarity and peace. I prayed he would understand that we were created in the image of our creator. Anything is possible with Christ. I spent way too many years chasing the wrong things I thought would make me happy. But it’s not about finding happiness. It’s not about me or him or you or anyone. It’s about God and His will. It’s about allowing God to work through you.
When you truly open your heart and let go of self, a deep sense of joy literally starts to flow. The kind of joy that remains no matter what life throws at you. An untouchable joy. Knowing that death is conquered and we are loved unconditionally creates a peace within that passes all understanding. We all have a silent strength instilled within us you just have to be silent and listen. I prayed for him to always remain humble, kind and teachable. In order to grow you have to be teachable. Pray for God to use you and ask how you can serve others. Instead of asking God “why” when things happen, ask God “what” are you trying to teach me.
Fine art paper print. This is a signed, open edition reproduction from an original art work from a high resolution scan. All copyright and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist.
I planned to paint this outside to celebrate my 4 year sobriety anniversary. I got to start the piece outside but then the wind started whipping. My paint was drying instantly as it touched the canvas. I couldn’t see half the time cuz my hair was in my face. Then the farmer across the road pulled up with a few tractors and semis to harvest. Which was just hilarious to have so much going on for this painting I’m calling “Surrender”!! And to top it off the verse I turned to in the Bible outside was “Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome— a staggering drunk is not much fun.”
Proverbs 20:1 MSG.
Lol I was cracking up so hard because that’s why I quit drinking alcohol!! But all of the chaos surrounding me was the greatest example of how we need to surrender and go with the flow. It’s not our plan but Gods! “Surrender” is the path to peace, joy and contentment. And that path is paved with prayers and gratitude. Through it all I have learned that surrendering everyday sometimes all day long is good for my heart, mind and soul. Some days are more challenging but then there is growth. Let go. Trust in God. God uses everything for his good.
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.”
1 Peter 5:6-11 NLT
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