Tag: Hymns

Portraits. – Being captivated by Faces.

Charles & Jan's Wedding. Oil on Canvas.

Hello again ! What a long time it has been since last I wrote a blog post. This particular post has been delayed, partly by the busy-ness of the Festive Season; and the Portrait that is featured was a gift to my son and daughter in law. I didn’t want to reveal it till after Christmas. It is a commemorative painting of their wedding a year ago on the 4th January 2010. I would never consider myself a good portrait artist, and most of the ones I tackle are considerably flawed, including this one. Perhaps most artists would agree that portraits are particularly difficult to do really well. Many times over the years I have sworn to stop doing them, after several experiences when I was asked to make changes on ones that I’d sold. However I have always been fascinated by people’s faces, and have drawn portraits since I was at school.

A School Friend. Pastel. from about 1970

An early study. Pastel. 1974

This thought has reminded me of one of my all time favourite hymns; “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”. Whenever I sing this it tends to bring tears to my eyes; when I picture the thought of gazing at the face of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and realize how unworthy I am.

But the uncanny coincidence came yesterday when I was reading a blog piece by John Piper’s wife Noel, where she mentioned the art of Lilias Trotter. Then I went in search of her art, only to find that her writings were altogether more captivating. It was there that I discovered that her piece called, ‘Focussed’ inspired Helen Lemmel to write the hymn ‘The Heavenly Vision’, which is now called, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.

This image that Lilias spoke of in ‘Focussed’ resonated so powerfully with me, as I am so riveted by faces, and especially the face of Jesus as I see him in my heart, and my mind’s eye. The way He searches our hearts and thoughts with that perceptive and patient gaze, and loves us regardless of all our shortcomings, isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t He beautiful? Even though none of us know what He looked like and all have different interpretations of His face. If you look on Google Images you will see many of the portraits of Jesus, and it is clear that we all see Him quite differently.

So, today, whether faces fascinate you or not; take a moment to turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s a light for a look at the Saviour,

And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion

For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you, He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Christ the Divine Redeemer by Simon Dewey

21 Jan 2011
An Architectural Study.

Church exterior, partial view

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Burgersdorp Gereformeerde Kerk.

Three plaster plaques details.

In commemoration of the Burgersdorp Gereformeerde Kerk’s 150th Anniversary, I have undertaken this architectural study.

The Organ Balcony

It was a challenge and a unique opportunity to study in detail, and marvel at, the exquisite craftsmanship evident throughout this extraordinary old church. There was so much time, patience and attention to detail during those early days. Everything, from the wooden pulpit & pews to the plaster detail on the domed ceiling; from the stained glass windows to the grand old organ, were carefully and intricately crafted. Everywhere, there are signs of the skills that went into each part of this beautiful building; even in the belfry where a set of bells rings out the tune to Psalm 116 on the hour, every hour, and the main bell is decorated with intricate patterns of vines and roses, hidden away where no-one ever sees, – ah, but God sees! It is a tragedy that skills of this standard have died out so long ago! All we are left with in this disposable age, is architecture, masonry and carpentry that is austere and functional. Building today strives for the minimalist-modern style that is invariably, basic and impermanent.

(more…)

21 Feb 2010
Kings and Castles

“A man’s home is his wife’s castle.” Alexander Chase

Sue-Elize Henning's home, near Steynsberg.

I have just completed my final order for now ; whether it is a house, a home or perhaps even their ‘castle'(?) it matters not, but at least Sue-Elize seemed pleased with the painting. Now there is this marvellous feeling of freedom, and the possibilities of “what next”, are quite exhilerating! I’ve been thinking of Nguni cattle as a big oil, or wild cats which are so popular; or sheep, or the Whiskered Terns seen nesting on our Excelsior dam a while ago; or windmills & dry Karoo landscapes; or butterflies on the Lavender that I photographed a couple of days ago. I’ve long considered an old cattle herder photographed near the Orange river Pella Mission. How beautiful are the rugged faces of the folk we meet on our travels, and I enjoy the challenge of portraying the years etched on their faces in all the nuances of facial expression.

They are so different from the face of a familiar royal, who some might think, should be king. (more…)

21 Jun 2009
All the Way My Saviour Leads Me

Sunday 18 January.

I love this Hymn that my Uncle (Tony) recommended for the recent Book that I wrote; ‘A Family History Timeline, 1950-2008′ and have used it in the calligraphy page here as one of another book I am making for my God-daughter, Amy. It is precious for all the heartfelt sentiments that Fanny Crosby felt when she wrote it despite her blindness, she never blamed Christ, but praised Him instead. So as this year dawns, with all the uncertainties, the hopes and fears, it is good to remember; “For I know whatever happens, Jesus does all things well“!

As I spent some time reading John Piper’s Blog on Desiring God, I had time to reflect on how much ‘Our Saviour leads us all the way. John Piper’s interview in his post on the Economic Downturn expresses the way God leads us back to all the important things in life and this crisis is just one way that He may be doing that for people around the world.

And finally, as we forgo the New Year Resolutions which can be difficult to maintain, here are some lists that replace them. I LOVE lists !! Keep these near to your prayer bench. I plan to :

John Piper’s : 9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul , Texts to Pray for Our Children , 10 Reasons to Pray the Scriptures

May God bless your 2009, and challenge you to seek Him first.

20 Jan 2009