Wait in Silence

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Wait in Silence

 Well before I took any paint or canvas in hand, I knew where this painting was headed. It did take a few turns along the way, but it has mostly stayed true to where I started, which is an expression of a favorite section of Psalm 62. I have memorized it a BUNCH of times, but keep having to relearn it, but I find the painting expresses it well. Here is the version I have memorized. 

Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. 

36" x 36"
Painted with artist quality heavy-body acrylic paint on 1.5” deep gallery wrapped canvas

Or here is another beautiful translation: 
Psalm 62:5-8
New Living Translation
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
    for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
    He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
    Pour out your heart to him,
    for God is our refuge. Interlude


I started out with the colors and composition of this work in my mind's eye. I wanted a darker, neutral color with a horizontal composition to indicate quiet stillness. (The blue color kind of sneaked up on me, and became more vibrant as I worked.) The gold line was painted with a tool for repairing window screens called a spline roller. I wanted a thin, unpredictable line of gold, and this felt like a good way to achieve that. Of course, it is heavier in the focal point area of the painting. There is so much texture and subtle color change in this work! 

In my memorized version of the verses, the phrase that continually comes to my mind is "My soul, wait in silence for God only". Wait in silence - can you see that in this painting? I think often in our society, we are unfamiliar with both silence and waiting, and feel uneasy with them. But silent waiting can be peaceful and restful. Both the restfulness, and the uneasiness are captured in this one, don't you think?

Comments

  1. JoyfulartistAugust 2, 2021 at 7:50 PM

    A spline roller! What a great idea!

    Thanks for sharing that you have to memorize things over and over. I thought I was the only one who had not gotten the memorizing gene. It'a always been difficult for me. If, however, it's put to music, it's in there forever! I loved the worship songs of the 70's and 80's because there was so much scripture to music that I still remember today.

    Your painting does indeed invoke a sense of stillness and waiting. So hard to do these days.

    I don't check blogs often but I always enjoy yours.

    Blessings, Jan

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    Replies
    1. Brenda Stichter, artistFebruary 1, 2022 at 3:00 PM

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments! As you can see, I missed seeing them for a LONG time! Somehow, I am not being notified when someone comments, so I will have to fix that...

      And I also remember things better when they are set to music, and sometimes painting about them will help me too.

      Thanks for sticking with me when I am slow to respond!

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