December 2023 Art Update
Off the Easel!
Here are all the cool projects I was able to finish this month! Which one’s your favorite?
Presentation of Jesus Triptych Install
Woooo weee! We’re finally seeing some movement at Holy Name! The first of two triptychs has finally been installed and I couldn’t be more excited. The next couple weeks, I’ll be blending that seam between St. Gabriel and the middle panel, painting the sides, and adding some rays of light to the lantern. Patience, patience!
Divine Winefest - Do Whatever He Tells You
I was honored to live paint for the St. Lawrence Center’s Divine Winefest! Throughout the evening, I painted this image of Mary and Jesus at the Wedding at Cana before Jesus turns water into wine.
Wherever you see emptiness, wherever you’ve run out of something (wine, hope, money, love, wisdom), Mary sees opportunity. She takes great care with our needs and brings them to Jesus. She is our advocate, constantly reminding us to do whatever Jesus tells us to do.
She Pondered
This original painting was inspired by an image I received in prayer this month after consecrating myself to Jesus through Mary. May we always come near to her womb and find comfort in the great Treasure she bears.
On the Easel
These paintings are just beginning or reaching the end! Currently in progress!
Urban Sketching
I’ve been committing myself to drawing more, no matter where I am - even strangers in coffee shops! Here’s a collection of my favorites - a portrait of Larry and Denise, Our Lady of Good Counsel parish’s adoration night, Union Station Christmas trees, and wedding guests from the internet (practicing my guest portrait painting!).
The Hodes’ Grotto
This painting is nearing completion! I’ve been working on focusing all of the attention on those miraculous flowers in the middle of the snowy grotto. This has become such a symbol for Christmas - the light in the cold darkness.
Sacred Heart Monstrance
This commission is also coming along nicely with the vibrant incense and burst of light coming from the heart.
SEEK is in 3 days!
My “elves” have been hard at work stuffing prints and getting my booth design ready for the SEEK conference! :) I’m so excited to be among such amazing people and introduce my artwork to a new audience! Pray for Elizabeth and I as we drive to St. Louis this week!
22 paintings and drawings - mostly commissions!
Thank You!!
Thank you so much for a fantastic year! Looking at all of the artwork I created this year brings so much gratitude to my heart. It’s a mystery to me how I have this life of my dreams. I have you all and my good Father to thank :)
Know of my prayers for you as I continue to paint and answer this call from the Lord. This Christmas season, I pray that you feel the light of Jesus Christ in your heart despite every reason not to. If my art can help facilitate that, I’ve done my job.
God Bless You! And Merry Christmas!
-Mattie
