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  God's beauty and bounty

  Nov 1, 2025

  There are so many paths to take in my garden of hues. Light flowing watercolors, and dark, rich bountiful colors in oils. Which way to go? This painting, which is one of most favorites, continues to speak to me of God’s beauty and bounty.
  
  I executed this oil painting differently than others. I started with a gesso board, brushed in black oil paint and kept the background smooth. I didn't want it to compete with the subject and yet it became a part of the subject.  I played off the black as I took the palette knife and began to carve the images of roses and other flowers, leaving the background color (black) to come forward in the center of the flowers, tabletop, and the vase.
  
  The painting is on a two-dimensional surface, length and width. In order to give depth and make it a three-dimensional subject, the darkest dark next to the lightest light will give that optical illusion and trick the eye. It’s all about light and dark.
  
  Without the viewer knowing it, the eye will start at the bottom left, be led by the vertical green leaves on the left of the vase, through the roses, places in a triangular shape, down around to the center of the white paint on the bulging vase. The eye will rest where the focal point is intended, lightest light against dark.
  
  Each stroke with the knife was precisely laid in heavy paint, lifting it in texture. Even the strokes on the leaves made the design a circle. The pinkish/red rose in the center and the spot on the vase is the lightest in value, which makes everything else recede into the dark background.
  
  The Lord uses light and dark to show man’s condition. The flicker of a candle will not show in the light of day, but will lighten a dark room. In these dark times, a little light shines brighter than ever. God’s light is glaring today for those who do not have the Light.
  
  I am reminded of Genesis One when everything was dark and void. It’s as if God took his finger, or a palette knife, swirled it in a circle, making a sun and letting the light bounce off the terre (earth). Then the colors came alive.  We know He didn't need to do anything but speak. The Word of Life brought heaven's harmony to earth.
  
  The Fall of His creation brought darkness again. The Light of the World came and all of darkness and all creation receded in the presence of God. When God’s light enters the heart of man, he will understand and see the beauty and bounty that God so generously gave him to enjoy.
  
  Everything is beautiful when we walk in the Light. The colors are more vibrant when the Light is shining. David ends his Book of Psalms with this praise. “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6 NKJV).
  
  Be inspired.

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