Welcome to Gretty Beth Arts’ Advent 2023 paintings! As Artist in Residence at my church, I love to create artwork for this season leading up to Christmas!
I made four paintings spanning the four Sundays before Christmas with the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Each of these paintings began as a block of basswood, which is then carved, painted, sometimes sanded, and sometimes burnt. Basswood is the best wood for carving, and I love its versatility!
I’ll say a few words about my thought processes as we go, but more important is how the pieces connect with you.
Here are some images of the artwork:
The Light of Hope
The Light of Hope
Advent 1: “The Light of Hope”, based on the flame of a candle, was created in response to John 1: 4-9, which has the words, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.”
This painting was carved and burnt and then painted, and the colors on the blackness surrounding the flame are like the Hope of Christ’s presence radiating silently from God’s Light.
The Light of Peace
The Light of Peace
Advent 2: “The Light of Peace” was based on Luke 1: 68-79, which includes words about the tender mercy of God as “the rising sun [that] will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
Horizontal landscapes evoke peace and calmness to the eye. A sunrise, like the tender mercy of God, is depicted in soothing colors.
The Light of Joy
The Light of Joy
Advent 3: “The Light of Joy” was based on the scripture, Matthew 2: 9-10 which reads, “the star [the Magi] had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
This painting has bright, joyful colors, and a human being is depicted with a star in their chest, symbolizing the joyful feelings we have following the Star all our days.
The Light of Love
The Light of Love
Advent 4: “The Light of Love” was inspired by 1 John 1:5 and 4:16 “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all,” and “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
This painting has a light radiating, bright burning Sun with a very subtle hint of a heart shape in the center. The painting was burnt underneath the paint to contrast the brightness of the colors and God’s Light of Love.
Christmas Star
Christmas Star
Christmas Eve: The Light of the World, is based on Isaiah 49:6 “I will…make you a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
The traditional “Christmas Star” painting reminds us of Christ’s presence, shining constantly as we as Christ’s people bring God’s Light to the world.
Appreciating Advent 2023
This Advent work was born from a place of deep gratitude and prayer and worship. It was born from compassion for a humankind that is struggling, yet for whom Jesus’ birth inspires a profound determination.
May the dream of the birth of the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love this season fill you to brimming, and inspire you to share this energy to touch others’ lives as well.
These are my latest Advent paintings – but if you want to bring the light and spirit of Advent and Christmas to your loved ones this year, consider sharing these holiday cards with them!
I’m also excited to let you know that Catalyst Arts Collaborative is selling them in their new store, opening December 6, 2023, located at:
6427 W Ustick Rd. Boise, ID 83704.
May you and yours have a holiday season to remember!