Destroying a Painting

What started with a desire to recreate a favourite sunset photo on canvas, ended with a foreboding message…or several, depending on how you look at it.

I photographed a phenomenal sunset from a moving vehicle with two friends after a retreat in Minneapolis. The cloud and light formation reminded me of an angel, and I named my photo Angel Sky.

On Sunday afternoon I decided to make an attempt at transferring the image in the photo to canvas. Foolish me…how can I possibly re-create something perfect that the Chief Artist Himself created first?

After viewing my “finished” version of Angel Sky, I realized that my attempt was pleasant, but weak in the depth department. So I took the canvas, and with a bit of trepidation, made some additional modifications…

The painting took on a whole new disturbing demeanor. One aspect of which is: while I spend an inordinate amount of time enjoying sunrises and sunsets (sometimes at the last second avoiding running my car off the road), not every spectacular celestial display is noticed and appreciated by everyone else in our busy world. 

Our earth is also running out of resources, as a result of centuries of greed, neglect and apathy (of which I am as guilty as anyone else). Not only are we gradually destroying our planet, we are not paying attention to the messages on the signposts and the loving Creator who wants only to be in relationship with us.

“Whilst we are cruising through the aisles of plenty,
Our hoardings screen us from the man of sorrows,
Our soundtracks drown his murmur: ‘I am thirsty’."

(Quote from Malcolm Guite’s: Christ the King Sonnet)

What can one do? One small step: This year, our families have agreed to forego the usual gift-giving, and my husband and I will make an extra effort to donate to worthy causes around the world instead. By the way, the new name of the painting is Harbinger.

As I meditate and pray further on the message of this painting that I have in effect destroyed, I will be looking forward to preparing for the Christmas season for a new, happy reason. While I have lost my dear Mother this year, I have gained a new granddaughter...:)

God bless you all this Christmastide.