oil on canvas
48" x 60"
June 25, 2003
At first glance this painting may appear to be an abstract botanical of sorts, however there is actually a deeper meaning from which I drew my inspiration. I was reading the fourth chapter in the book of Revelation when the creative process of mentally developing this piece began. This part of the Bible talks about the throne of God, describing the beauty, glory, and constancy with which he will be praised in Heaven throughout all of eternity.
While I continued to ponder my future painting, reading more about the glory of heaven, I felt strongly compelled to illustrate my perception of how this scene will someday look. What may seem to be simply petals of a flower are actually my interpretation of the elders and other living creatures bowing their hearts and souls before the heavenly throne of God.
In addition to Revelation‘s description of heaven, the lyrics from one of my favorite worship songs summarize the intended meaning for this abstract painting: ”I see the Lord and He is seated on the throne, the train of His robe is filling the heavens…Surrounding his throne are thousands singing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord.’”
I am very much looking forward to one day being counted among the thousands who are Surrounding the Throne in worship to the God of the Universe, and hope this painting will cause others to feel the same sense of anticipation.
(4) Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders… (9) Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever…
— Revelation 4:4,9-10
