Light on Dark

Ask any artist and you will know the importance of darkness and shadows in a painting in order to enhance the light. Rembrandt, in particular, was a master at it. The brilliance of light is understood against the shadow of the darkness surrounding it. This season of storms battering the coasts around Portstewart have thrown up some amazing lighting effects, in particular after the storm has passed, and the evening light breaks through. 

I've joined an art class at Flowerfield, and the project I chose to do, deliberately worked with strong highlights and deep shadows. In my previous forays into oil painting, I have always felt myself unadventurous in venturing into dark shades, and the resulting painting tended to suffer somewhat in brilliance and dramatic content.

Recent events in the world, with stories emerging of incredible bravery and perseverance against the odds, have served to highlight even further this  awareness of light shining in a dark place. 

The Bible also, when it talks about the reign of God as king, says that 

“..clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne..” **

Darkness enhances the brilliance of the light. The dark clouds of evil and unjust aggression only serve to highlight God’s ultimate justice. He is King. He does reign, and he will ultimately bring justice.

** Psalm 97:1,2