Pruning the Vine: Layers of Faith Series I

acrylic gouache, FW ink, colored pencil & gold leaf on dura-lar

Pruning plays an important role in the health and productivity of crops. It makes sense that dead and damaged branches should be removed, but it is just as beneficial to the plant to remove fruit-bearing branches as well. When too many branches are allowed to grow unchecked, the vine’s limited energy is divided between so many fruits that growth is hindered, producing poor quality fruit. We have to be willing to be corrected in such a way. In doing so, we can learn patience, humility, forgiveness, and endurance. We can grow our faith and better serve God, ourselves and the people around us.

This piece was the first in my three-piece Layers of Faith series exploring the complexity of faith and our profound relationship with God. (See Life by Faith and Remain in Me) Each piece is painted on Dura-lar, a polyester film that’s a mix between Mylar and Acetate. It's as thin as paper, acid free and archival. I was inspired by artist Scott M. Fischer's use of dura-lar in his illustration work. I love the layered effect that comes with drawing and painting on both the front and back of this translucent, matte material. The image remains two-dimensional but has a depth that cannot be achieved so easily on traditional surfaces.

In the images below you can see some progress shots of this painting showing the front of the piece (inked in black FW acrylic ink) and the back (painted with acrylic gouache) through a light box.