Thumbnail Sketch
This is a thumbnail sketch for a new painting that I'm just about to begin. It will be the largest painting I've painted to date--4' x 6'. And it will also be the first LDS themed painting I've attempted. But I believe this will be different than any other out there. This scene will be when Joseph Smith was taken from his home in the middle of the night and will be before he was tar and feathered. I want to show him inside this mob of people, my inspiration comes from Caravaggio's Taking of Christ. You see, I want this painting to envoke a very emotional response. I want to portray how horrible this scene really was.
I'm going to try to stay as close to my thumbnail sketch as I possibly can. So I'll sketch this drawing on my canvas before I bring my models in to pose and photograph. This way I can make them fit my idea instead of vice versa. And I'll post progress along the way.
I'm thinking about naming it "Call upon God for mercy". Any thoughts?
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Bold undertaking! I'll be interested to see the progress and your interpretation. While I was on my mission at Liberty Jail, L.L.Swindle came with her entourage to reenact events for her painting of Joseph there. I think it is always challenging to interpret historical figures and/or events in any context, so good luck!
I think the prospective title is nice, particularly since after being abused in this way, J.S. preached love and mercy - kind of along the lines of "they know not what they do." I like a title that can evoke both sentiments...calling for himself or calling for others. Of course, you'll know best what to title it as it progresses.
Just found your site and blog. Your work is impressive.
scott - Thanks for the compliment and checking out my site. I saw your blog, your work is also very impressive. I especially like you urban landscapes. I really like the mood you create with them. Very nice.
ms. bliss - yes, I'm very excited about this one. I've never wanted to paint an LDS theme because I was always kind of put off by what is already out there. But I think this one will have a true renaissance feel to it. And I think this historical event will be fairly easy to recreate since it's a night scene, so no background to worry about. And only a few props, a tar bucket and feathers. Plus I will be taking some liberties for composition sake anyway. I want the painting to be about how the light bounces off the figure and onto the next--like a Caravaggio painting.
That's interesting you met L.L. Swindle, she's huge in the LDS art market. I'm curious what you think of her work. And I really like you comments about the title. Just as you said, perhaps the title will present itself as the painting progresses.
dish - well, I'll expect some comments once the painting gets going. :)
On L.L.Swindle...though she is undeniably talented, I'm not a huge fan. However, I appreciate her dedication to the subject. Of course, there is a grand debate about LDS art/artists that we could delve into - the whole heavy- handed, message-driven aspect of much LDS art vs. faith-informed, though less dogmatic works. There is a place for everything, I suppose, and what it really comes down to (for me, at least) is technique combined with the evocative qualities of a work.
A fine example is Brian Kershisnik's work. I know his painting style is quite different from your own, but have you seen his wonderful painting of the Nativity at the current BYU MOA show? I almost fell down, and Maggie and I just sat there for the longest time. Kershisnik has said that painting is a religious act, one that makes a "rip in the membrane that lets God come out."
I know I'm going on and on here. Everyone at this computer is eager to see the progress of this painting. I think adding a little Caravaggio-infused work to the LDS artistic canon will be refreshing and enlightening. Happy painting!
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