The meaning in this painting is more about the process than the actual image. You see I originally painted “Move” in February. I had started and completed it in just one day, and when I was done with it, I really liked it, and was thrilled to post a true “daily painting”. Then the painting has sat on my shelf as other paintings have been created. Occasionally I go through my older paintings and see where improvement could be made. I took out this painting and thought about how much I had liked it when I created it, but now 5 months later, the painting looked thin, and somewhat hurried, and unfinished. Isn’t that funny how that happens? Something which was once okay, suddenly becomes unacceptable? I think it’s because as I progress as an artist, my vision changes, and my standards are raised. Still, I wanted to like this painting as much as I had when it was originally created, so I brought it back to my easel and went to work again. I sharpened definition here, and softened transitions there. I brought more life and light back into the painting, and I like it so much more now.

The reason I go through this long explanation with you is because I think it applies spiritually. Sometimes it’s like the Lord takes us off the shelf, we are examined, and we are found wanting. Things that were okay before, are no longer acceptable, and we are brought back to the easel for refinement. Ironically enough, the Lord has been taking me through a process like this just this past week. I’ve been led to ask questions like, “Well, wasn’t I good before?” And the answer is, “Yes,” Then I ask,”But then why am I being brought back to this?” “Because you’re gaining better vision now.” And so although it’s a little uncomfortable, I’m grateful and I’m trusting in the Master Creator, and I know that He’ll make a masterpiece of me yet.

6″ x 11 3/4″ oil on masonite