In the Shadow of the Almighty

This painting is the result of looking over my photos and seeing again a photo of three boys and another of a rock on the St. Croix River. I had looked at these two images for years and liked each of them, but had never thought of them at the same time. But one day I put those little boys on that rock and knew I had to paint it.

The challenge was to create the sense of glaring sunlight from straight above, without bleaching the rocks. I also wanted to point out the blue sky reflecting on the rocks in contrast with the reddish tone from the water. I enjoyed the glowing jewel-like effect those colors had on the heavy rocks. I also had to size the boys so the rocks looked large, but that the kids didn’t disappear in scale. The light also had to land on them from the same angle and intensity as it did on the rocks.

After painting it, I saw it from across the room and thought, “Hey! There’s a bird silouette with wings outstretched surrounding the boys. Then, immediately I thought of a Bible passage from Psalm 91,

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

So there is the paradox of power so huge it could crush the boys, but actually sheltering them, and they all completely oblivious of it, They are just going about their explorations with no comprehension of the great weight and power all around them. Yet the great rocks are beautiful gems disguising their immensity. Isn't that just like the Almighty God and our relationship with Him?