My Sister

It’s been a while since my last post…I spent last week in Texas visiting my sister. Kelly is just one year older than me, but I have always looked up to her as if she were a sage! The crazy thing is that for all the respect and admiration I hold for her, I have an equal amount of comfort in her presence. Maybe it comes from 18 years of sharing a bedroom with her, but she makes me feel “at home” like few others do. See, I’m a girl who likes to be in my own house -  in my own space -  among my own things - sleeping in my own bed!  And while I do love to travel with my husband, rarely am I comfortable in someone else’s home. Kelly’s home is an exception…but I think it has more to do with her than whatever structure in which she resides.

My sister has a spirit of grace. She is kind, and wise, and possesses strength of character worthy of my respect. Today’s painting seems a fitting illustration. Not only does Kelly love the color red (which I find most appropriate for her), but like the primary color, her spirit if pure and strong and giving. She loves with her life; all who know her can attest.

The Gospel, 2008

Acrylic on Wood Panel, 36” x 24”

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is the good news, also referred to as the Gospel.

The focal point of this piece is a large cross (representing Christ’s crucifixion and gift of salvation), centered in the quatrefoil (symbolic of the four evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), among numerous hearts (representing both the love of Christ and the home of Christ through salvation). The hearts are repeated throughout the image in various tones of reds and red-oranges (echoing the idea that Christ comes into hearts and enlivens them through salvation). The patterns created by repetition of the shapes mentioned above are enclosed in black lines highlighted in blues to create a stained glass impression (representing the Church).

To see more original works of art and related products like posters, giclees and fine prints, please visit http://www.sonstudios.com./

Live a beautiful life! ~Kim P. Bartholomew