Two paintings and one frame

The Martyr

9 x 12 in.

Oil on panel

Here is my Presidents day weekend project 2014:  My version of a 'Tabernacle' frame. I've have always liked the looks of this style of frame, thought mine is far from the craftsmanship and quality of a true Tabernacle frame. It is constructed of maple and painted black. I had this painting (The Martyr)  of mine in another frame and thought it might be a good candidate to try and make a Tabernacle frame for.  

Lanscape with red clouds

8 x 8 inches

Oil on canvas

A small landscape. My cel phone's camera doesn't seem to have good quality in close ups. It could be the operator and not the phone.

The present stage of things on this work

Quite a different state tonight as I stop. All along I have been thinking of the incredible story of St. Filumena (Philomena) Here I see her in the company of martyrs looking down thru the veil of time to those below who call upon her.

New work - The Christian

The lives of the Christian martyrs during the reign of Diocletian are something to read. What fortitude! What Faith! Men, Women, Children; it made no difference to the Emperor. If they were didn't offer sacrifice to the false Roman gods, they were tortured and killed in the most dreadful ways.
This painting is inspired by that time. Here we have a Christian who awaits death.  I purposely made it neither male nor female. They hold in their hands a crude cross fashioned from some sticks to meditate on the death of the Son of God by crucifixion. But in a few hours or maybe minutes they will slip from this land of time and men and pass through the veil to the land of eternal blessedness.