Art Exhibit Canceled: bummer

I finally got a letter from The Foundation for Sacred Artsin which they let me know that they regrettably canceled the art exhibit I had entered back at the beginning of May. The reason in the letter stated it was for circumstances beyond their control. I emailed the foundation and in their reply they admitted that the circumstances beyond their control was the fact that they did not get enough high quality entries to fill out their exhibit. My guess is that there just aren't that many artist up to the task of doing a work of art based on the Nicene or Apostles creed. I mean, how many of those paintings can you think of off the top of you head that you have seen in the past. Kind of an abstract notion.

Anyway, needless to say I am disappointed that the two paintings I did expressly for this exhibit won't be going to Washington DC. On the other hand, I will put them in a local exhibit at some point.

Just goes to confirm in my mind that it hard to be an artist and harder to be a sacred artist in our day and time. As Mose Allison says, "I'm not complaining, just thinking out loud."

Creator of Heaven and Earth

Here is my latest painting: "Creator of Heaven and Earth". I have entered it in an exhibit (see post below) and am waiting to here back wether I got accepted or not.

The painting depicts the Trinity: Father Son and Holy Spirit as they are thinking up the six days of creation. Each day is within a circle. The first three days are about creating order by division: dividing light from darkness, the waters above from the waters below and dividing the land from the water. The next three days are about populating the previous three days divisions: the sun and the moon for the dark and the light, the birds for the sky and the fish for the waters and lastly animals and man for the land.

I'll let you know when I get the notice about the exhibit, which will be
Washington, D.C., by the way.

New Painting: Under Pontius Pilate

I have been working on a couple of paintings in hopes of finishing them in time for a competition. The exhibit is called "I Believe: The Creed in Art". You can find out more about it here. It is sponsored by The Foundation for Sacred Arts which I know nothing about except what is on their web page. Most of the artists they showcase have a very traditional, almost Renaissance kind of style, so they may not be too keen on my more primitive/medieval inspired style but I am desiring to enter the show anyway.

The painting above is based on the part of the creed "...he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. Pilate is shown washing his hands to the right side of Jesus. I have pictured him as a white suited, modern politician. His Admin. Assistant is helping him wash his hands of the whole affair. On the other side is the Blessed Virgin Mary and John. I have always been fascinated that the scriptures say the sky turned black during the crucifixion so I have it look like night.

I'll post the other painting I am working on for this exhibit when it is done. The deadline is May 1 so I am running out of time.

I Will Make All Things New

Happy Easter!

Maundy Thursday

An old painting of mine called "Judas Kiss" in honor of Maunday Thursday.

Diocese of Austin Sacred Art Gallery: Third Exhibit

If you haven't been to one of the exhibits at the Diocese of Austin's Sacred Art Gallery now is a good time to go. Their third exhibit just opened and will be up until August. I have one piece in the exhibit: "Portrait of You as the Good Samaritan" Check it out! Here is a link to the online exhibit.

The address is:

Pastoral Center at 6225 E. Hwy 290 Austin, TX

Beauchamp's Exhibit

I am going to have one painting in an exhibit at Beauchamp's, an art gallery in Topeka, Kansas (3113 SW Huntoon). The exhibit will begin on March 24th with the official opening on April 2. The show runs until May 4. The painting in the exhibit is Joyful Mystery #5: Jesus in the Temple.

For a bigger image go here.