The Mission..... Abstract Expressionism Painting by Elizabeth Chapman

Acrylic on 24" x 48" gallery wrap canvas (1.5" depth) 


SOLD

This is that time of year when we are all sooooo busy...... with all the preparations, shopping, gift exchanges,parties, baking, decorating...and .... well you know how it is.  I did stay up one night to paint a large painting that I will be sharing soon, (haven't photographed it yet) and can't hardly wait to post it!! This is one that I did last summer, an oldie, but..... it's been on my mind lately and thought it would be appropriate to share my thoughts as I had finished and stood back to view this painting while it was still on the easel. Given the time of year that we are in, it serves as areminder of the reason for the season.

The painting was completed in two sessions with the first being an underpainting.   Other than the color scheme, I approached this painting with absolutely NO IDEA of its outcome.  As I was listening to music my hand literally danced across the canvas, as  I followed each new idea that popped into my head.  To me this is such a gift... to be able to be a part of the creative process.

I stood back from the easel... and  I immediately saw a manger scene in a city scape.  I have pondered much about this painting since then, but my first thought was how this babe "Jesus" came and was born in a homeless shelter to live a life even to death in the lowliest of conditions.  Why would the  the God of the universe with all His riches choose to live this way?  Perhaps one of those reasons was to leave us with an example to follow....

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross.  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2: 5-11

 This painting has been a favorite and I always love hearing how a work of art speaks personally to an individual.  For me, especially through all the business lately, it  has helped to focus my thoughts on the real reason for the season and the celebration of Christmas...love... may it help you as well!!!