Original artwork description:

This abstract painting began as a collage of watercolor pieces mounted on canvas, and the collage includes verses from Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” written by King David after his sin with Bathsheba. This Psalm is both a realization of the devastation of sin, and it is a plea for divine mercy and a restoration of right relationship. The need for restoration is shared by every human being, since all of us have done things that we regret, which hurt ourselves, others and our relationship with God. The theme of restoration is echoed in the painting by the shape of Gothic arches, suggesting the work that has been underway in Paris to restore Notre Dame Cathedral since the tragic fire on 4-15-19. The burned and empty shell of this once magnificent church is a poignant, tangible expression of loss and regret that we all understand. Yet, God is merciful: Notre Dame was not completely destroyed, and it will be restored to its former glory. The loss is not permanent. The same can be true in our own lives: God’s mercy can restore us, if only we will ask Him to heal us, as David did. Restoring humanity to God’s love is the central reason why Jesus came to live among us, why He offered His own precious life on the Cross, to pay the debt we couldn’t pay and open the way to salvation. The painting also includes New Testament verses from Romans 6:6-8. It has been given a satin varnish for protection, and hanging hardware is already installed.

Materials used:

watercolor paper & Scripture passages collaged on canvas, overpainted in oil

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