The Prodigal

Oh my goodness, it has been quite a while since I’ve posted here…my apologies. It has been so busy that I can barely keep up with daily goings on. I was reminded to blog as a result of the fact that I am embarking (have already) on a project, which to me is huge.

I have been invited to again participate in the annual Art Exhibition and Sale of the Nashville First Baptist Church (that’s Tennessee). Last year I participated with my entry of “Take This Cup” in the amateur division. For this piece I was awarded a Purchase Award, which included a cash award. This is that piece.



The theme this year is “The Return of the Prodigal.” There are three categories. Firstly is “The Prodigal,” then “The Patient Father,” and lastly “The Pouting Brother.” Entrants were invited to submit in individual or all categories. Since receiving the invitation, my first thought was a triptych, but because of the work required I tried to come up with something else. However, nothing else would come to mind. So it looks like I will be submitting to all three by doing a triptych. Ambitious? I would say so, but I think inspired because of the fact that I could not think of any other composition. It seemed as though, I needed to visually portray the entire story. The other evening I was looking hard at what I’ve created so far and the thought came to mind…”this is the story Jesus told.” That thought in itself was inspiring.

Because they didn’t know who or what The Prodigal Son was all about, my grandchildren asked about my sketches. So using my sketches, I told them the story that Jesus told as tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees and teachers of the law were gathering around him to hear what he was saying. How awesome is that? Here is the unfinished pencil sketch on canvas that I will be submitting…



The plan was to create each segment of the story to stand alone, but together, the entire story is told. I hope what I have done thus far, accomplishes that. Sorry about the quality of the photo. The size of the side canvases is 15x30, while the center canvas is 22x30. I’m sure you can tell by looking, who is who. The only canvas ready for paint is “The Patient Father” Thank goodness the deadline is August, because I have a long, long way to go.

Although I am intimidated by this project and the fact that I have to submit as a professional this year, it will happen.

I will post my progress periodically. Thanks so much for visiting.

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