This was a commission from my brother, who was just made bishop (leader of his local congregation at church). He wanted something special to gift to the outgoing bishop to thank him for his service. And since that outgoing bishop had recently sold their lovely home, in anticipation of an overseas move, Cort thought that a "house portrait" would be the perfect gift. I love creating these house portraits, because of the lovely sense of place they inspire. Whether it's an old ancestral home, or a more recent dwelling, these places are important receptacles of our memories, even sacred spaces. Just as the focal point of a face is the eyes—often referred to as the windows to our soul, the focal point of a house portrait is the entrance itself. The front door and porch, along with any walkway leading up, make us feel welcome and make the home feel more approachable. I love the way the sidewalk leads to the porch and the door, and even the "Logan Ave" stamped into the concrete give a beautiful sense of time and place. July 24 is a day when, here in Utah, we celebrate those who walked a thousand miles or more, braving hardships of weather, disease and famine to settle this place. There leader, the great colonizer Brigham Young, upon entering the Salt Lake Valley, declared, "This is the right place." I have felt that same sense of certainty in every home where we have lived, sensing that this is the right place for us at this time.
Lyon, France -- Another commission, where my friend's father-in-law lived and served for three years. Final ink drawing followed by finished painting (Vignette). St. Phillips of the Highlands — beautiful old churchyard and cemetery in the Hudson River Valley Question: What places give you a sense of identity, connection and purpose?
4 Comments
Cort Winters
7/24/2018 09:40:34 am
Jana, not only are you a gifted artist, you have a way with words to reach out to others. The painting you did exemplifies the love our bishop had for his home, and somehow you have the ability to paint with passion so that the same love comes through in your art. You amaze me. Thank you for sharing your gifts with others!
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7/24/2018 11:42:17 am
Awww....thank you, Cort! ❤️
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Ginny Winters
7/25/2018 02:32:01 pm
So beautiful Jana! When the outgoing bishop received the painting he and his wife were just so tearful. They just loved it so much! The wife said, "No photo could capture how this painting makes me feel about our home." I can not think of a better compliment to an artist than that. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring me with your words.
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AuthorI am an artist and art instructor working in water media. Just knowing I can watch colors run together makes it worth getting out of bed every morning! Helping students capture the same excitement is equally rewarding. Archives
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