This painting like the great body of my work reflects the beauty of creation, from its tiny unnoticed details to its magnificent scenes of grandeur. I paint realistically, though with a touch of romance, perhaps reflecting what I love, not the more grim realities found in life.
I begin with what interests me most in the subject matter of the painting. In this case with the beautiful life that is located in the cleft of the rock where it is watered and protected from the harsher surroundings of its environment. I consider the contrast of my subject with its surroundings using light to contrast with the dark of the crevasse and rock. This is done to draw the eye to my center of interest. I am fascinated by texture and enjoy creating a variety of textures in the rock surfaces.
I relate this painting to the song above. To life growing and thriving in the most unexpected places; its placement where water clings and collects, its protection from harsh wind, and its ability to reach for the sun.
My life has been like that. We have experienced tribulation, but God has protected us and given us ways out and led us “to a broad place”. We pray together each morning which has been a rich and fulfilling time.
He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock
By Kathye Aram
