Holy Night

 

"Holy Night"

10x7.125"

"What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; 
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." —Jn 1:3-5

So, where was Jesus born in a cave or a stable in Bethlehem? 

I did some research to decide which location to use for the background setting of the nativity. "The Gospel says that Jesus was born in a cave or stable in Bethlehem because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2.7) There, Jesus, the "spotless lamb", was wrapped in swaddling clothes—perhaps the same swaddling clothes that shepherds would have used at that time to swaddle a spotless lamb—and laid in a manger. But was the manger in a cave or a stable? 

The place of Jesus' birth has always been held in high esteem, which is why at the beginning of the fourth century a small chapel was built around it so everyone could visit. Unfortunately, the chapel was destroyed during a revolt in the sixth century. Soon after, Emperor Justinian had the chapel rebuilt, but it was much larger – it would be a basilica! This basilica was built above the original chapel on the very spot where Jesus was born. The basilica was verified to have been built on top of a cave. 

According to ancient Christian sources, Jesus was most likely born in the darkness of a cave rather than a stable. To this day, many caves surrounding Bethlehem and Palestine have traditionally been used as stables for livestock for centuries. 

If Jesus' life began in the darkness of a cave, and he was also buried in a cave/tomb after his crucifixion and death, this completes a full circle, which is why I chose a cave for the scene of my painting.

Thanks for viewing my work!

nancy

References: 

https://ewtn.co.uk/chpop-where-god-was-born-inside-the-holy-church-of-the-nativity-in-bethlehem/

https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/was-jesus-really-born-in-a-stable/

 

Heart in Darkness

     "Heart in Darkness", 4x4" oil on black canvas panel

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"We live as we dream...alone..." — Joseph Conrad

Ever feel like this diminutive robin red-breast? He/she speaks to me of the inner strength of human spirit, and its ability to struggle and survive against seemingly insurmountable odds.

We've had our share of whoa lately between a car wreck, flood in our home, two huge dead trees ready to fall on our house...all resulting in major unplanned expenses. A lot of whoa? So I think, until I am reminded of so many others without even a roof, or a warm nest where to lay their children's heads. 

This is the time of year I look around and see how truly blessed we are for so many countless gifts, but most importantly the gift of life itself. This is what the merry in Christmas is about. The very gift of heart that continues, on from where it began in a stable, to burn bright with ongoing life into our surrounding darkness. 

I am thankful for the warmth and support of each of you on this branch beside me. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 

nancy  

To see more of my art or to contact me: Online Gallery  • E-mail  • Website  •  Graphic Design Studio •  Saatchi Gallery •  Fine Art America

My Side

"My Side" 10x8" Oil on gessobord

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"Every closed eye is not sleeping, and every open eye is not seeing." — Bill Cosby

I just got back from my first trip to Orlando and Disney World with my high school girlfriend. We spent one entire day running all over Epcot, Magic Kingdom and MGM parks. We must have walked 15 miles. So here's my side of the story, there I was having this wonderful relaxing vacation only to be totally traumatized. First I was baited with this euphoric and exhilarating ride called "Soarin", however that was just a setup. Then my (so-called) friend dragged me kicking and screaming onto several terrifying rides, like something called "Tower of Terror" where you are taken up 13 floors on a creepy old elevator to the top of this haunted hotel to then—suddenly and without warning—drop 13 floors over and over again. I kept my eyes closed and somehow survived the experience, but came home from this 3-day trip needing lots of nerve calming rest, thus the subject of today's painting. ; )

I had taken the photo for this painting of my bedside a while ago; the path of light really caught my attention. I wanted to continue working in Colley Whisson fashion, using the new techniques and materials from my recent Austin workshop. I am really happy with this new painting which just seems to me to have more of an emotional impact...just downright poetic...don't you think?

Okay, with the exception of that one ride, I really did have a wonderful time at Disney and was totally pampered staying in such a beautiful resort.

Thanks for stopping in today unannounced. If I'd have know you were coming I might have even made my bed.

nancy
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To see more of my art or to contact me: 
Online Gallery  • E-mail  • Graphic Design Studio

SOLD -Light Into Darkness

" Light Into Darkness" 14x11" oil on stretched canvas

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“Each time dawn appears, the mystery is there in its entirety.” — Rene Dauml

 This painting is what I looked out on each morning from our campsite in Chama, NM. Actually at the top of this hill was a puppy playground for campers to walk their dogs. I swear every RV must come equip with two dogs. Never one, always two. Anyway, I loved waking at the first crack of dawn and watching the sunlight roll in over the mountain tops and then drip it's course of light over the dark side of this hill like bright orange sticky molasses.

Thanks for rolling by today and for viewing my painting. 
nancy

To view all of my available paintings in my gallery click here http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/nancy-parsons-122  

* Sold pieces are marked with a red dot.

My blog: www.headondownthehighway.blogspot.com

My website:http://www.njparsons.fineartstudioonline.com
E-mail: njparsons@suddenlink.net

My book: Head on Down the Highway A Blog Book

My graphic design studio: www.graphicdesigngroup.net