I just finished the 18″x24″, Oil on Linen painting of St. Joseph. I am a fan of scripture and whenever possible I make it a title of my paintings and write it with an acrylic pen in the back. In this case, the title is “HOSEA 14:6” on the Catholic Bible (NABRE), which reads “I will be like the dew for Israel: he will blossom like the lily; He will strike root like the Lebanon cedar,” which foreshadows St. Joseph as the Foster Father of Jesus. I had mistakenly wrote Hosea 14:5 when I intially looked on biblegateway but it was the incorrect version, I later corrected the title in the back after it was framed.
This particular piece took 9 days to complete. I started on Friday, April 9, 2021. A week after I finished the station of the cross paintings, I was asked if I could donate a painting to the annual St. John Paul II High School Black & Gold Fundraiser. I am always thrilled when asked to participate in non-profit events. I had a couple of larger pieces (24×30 & 24×36) that I began working on imediately but after a phone call, I changed my mind and decided on a smaller piece and framed. I hope it is going to be part of the Live Auction – always enjoy how the auctioneer talks so fast – makes the heart race especially if there’s competitive bidding over it.
Since it is the Year of St. Joseph and I just read Fr. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father, I was inspired to paint him. Again, getting the concept took some time (for this painting, a day) and continually praying – I dove right into it. I portrayed St Joseph a young man (face is a compilation of a visiting priest and statues) – a strong and determined carpenter along with his staff with Lily bloom, on his hip a hammer and on his left hand a square. Traditional carpentry tools. I love architectural elements in paintings and I enjoy painting them, too. I also have a specific way of painting halos – it always have a yellow circular background with a white thin circular stripe.
I tried not to overwork this piece because I sometimes get carried away with detail. My mom is visiting and she advised me to keep it simple. Mom is right and so I did. I pulled an all nighter last night to get it done on time. As always, it was worth it. Shout out to my hubby who framed the painting. Another painting that’s going to be out there in the world – may whoever looks upon it will lift their hearts to God and praise Him always!!
Sometimes I forget that the pandemic is still rampant, until I venture out. Here I am at the auction which was held outdoors for safety’s sake. Dr. Sam Ganz of North Padre Island won the painting with a generous bid. They told me that St Joseph, The Worker, is their family partron and it now hangs in their private residence. Blessings!