Give Me Rest - Original Oil Painting

"Give Me Rest" is the child landscape of "Endurance", where an landscape organically emerged within the abstract work. "Give Me Rest" was an intentional approach in composition to pursue a landscape, applying the technique witnessed throughout the abstract collection. In this painting, the work is completed with one pigment, illustrating the depth of point in that when we desire rest, it feels like a fairly simple request. It's black and white. We desire tranquility -serenity- and yet, we are often surrounded by chaos, hostility, noise, and overwhelming stimuli. We yearn for the end of our tasks to enjoy the light, and experience a simple walk in the park. 

-- Further Backstory -- 

This abstract collection was born after enduring six years of topical steroid addiction and withdrawal syndrome, which was so severe that it prevented me from painting that entire time. When I sat down to create for the first time, I wanted to paint impressionist landscapes, and other light hearted subjects like horses, which had always captured my attention. Instead, I was hit with with "what could have been" and "what should have been" both as an artist, and personally. Where would I be if I had those six years to hone my skills?

This series began the abstract section in my portfolio, and the choice of pigments was intentional. Working with the raw nature of the canvas as the white source, I used a medium and one or two pigments throughout this collection while creating a texture which commemorated the broken, fissured skin I experienced in this season. Grief was unexpected. Yet, as the emotions swelled, I would take a word or phrase and meditate on it while painting. This became the title for each work in the abstract collection.

Each abstract piece invites the viewer to ask, "When we go through these uninvited chapters, what are we looking to for our hope and our joy?"


Important Note: If purchased, the painting will be available at the CCA Gallery location. 
111 W Main St #135, Carmel, IN 46032
Shipping is available within the continental U.S. for an additional fee.

30"x30"x1.5" 
Oil on Canvas
January 2024