New Growth

I did a lot of preplanning for this painting—as is my way. The perennial question asked of artists is “How long did that painting take you?” We artists are at a loss to know why that would be so important. The stock answer--and a true one is, “All my life.” We’re always learning, observing, pushing ourselves to try new things—and researching. In this case, I have seventeen sketchbook pages of research.




Life as a follower of Jesus also takes time and attention to develop and mature.

The Root of the Matter

While there doesn’t seem to be much difference in the soils Jesus described in his parable of the sower but rather the amount, the plant produced by the soil in each case was very different. Remember—each group heard the gospel, the same gospel, and there’s no indication that one group heard it any less than another.


But the seed sown in rocky soil “sprang up quickly”, not putting down any roots of spiritual maturity. I’ve used sewing thread to represent the barely there root.

The Root of the Matter 2

Another seed seemed to have pretty good soil with the root beginning to develop well but its growth was stifled by thorns growing around it. (more on the thorns in the future)

The Root of the Matter 3

But the fourth seed landed in really good soil, putting down deep roots to take in all the necessary nourishment. I’ve illustrated the parable with the black mustard plant (the one Jesus refers to in other parables), which has a tap root—if you’ve ever gardened, you know how hard it is to pull up one of those!

From the Ground Up

I’m using some new techniques to build layer upon layer of “soil” for my Parable of the Sower project. It has taken more time than I expected but I’m pleased with the results.

In the parable, there doesn’t seem to be that much difference between the different soils but rather how much soil there is and what else (rocks,thorn plants) is there to derail growth. (Mark 4:2-20; Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 8:5-15)

Preparing the Ground

I do a lot of preliminary planning for my collage paintings. For example, artist paint comes in different pigments and each mixes differently—green isn’t just green.

Yesterday I studied images of broadcast sowing of seeds for the Parable of the Sower project—the kind of seed planting Jesus referred to.

Seeds of a Project

I’m working on a painting/collage for a local church's 46-part sermon series (!), a survey of the Bible. My part is the “parable of the sower”. As an avid gardener, Jesus’ agricultural illustrations have always resonated with me.

I’ve been enjoying the background research and Bible study that I always do for my collages.

Here is one of my preliminary drawings.

I often do worship painting at church—painting as worship during worship music. The Lord always gives me a teaching as interpretation of what I’ve painted but last Sunday, he took me further--into a prophetic act with each stage in the process having meaning.


A lovely red and a beautiful green.


Mixed together they make black—representing good things in life put together in an unholy way.


I added some Mars Black and Ochre to make it really dark. I rarely use black paint since black doesn't reflect light.


Then I scribbled over the painting and chomped it with my pliers.


Most of us had made a mess of our lives in going our own way.


But when we become followers of Jesus, we die to our old life and its ways—represented outwardly by the waters of baptism and here by washing the brush.


Jesus took our old life and reduced it to nothing.




Replacing our old life of sin, selfishness and destruction with a new life—a new start.


Instead of following in the ways of death and destruction, we turn around (repent) and live our lives in obedience to Jesus and for his glory.






I will walk about in freedom for I have sought out your precepts. Psalm 119:45 (they are) the theme of my song He has brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (out of the dominion of darkness!) Colossians 1:13

Color!

The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most. John Ruskin

Color is one thing I can’t get enough of! In fact, over time I’ve found that I want more color rather than less. I think some of my college painting classmates thought I would outgrow my appetite for vibrant color. Not at all! Why? God colored his creation and it’s in us to enjoy color.


Pine Trail by Joan C. Thomson©

A Red Hibiscus Day

Everywhere I looked in Spain, red hibiscus grew. I was very pleased to learn that in translation, the local name for the beauty is “flower of peace”!
So naturally at home, I had to grow some! Last week, my plant (at last!) granted me a red hibiscus day. Red hibiscus' now often turn up in my art representing peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27