Month: March 2024

Posted on

Palm Sunday 2024, at Monica Park

Kelly Driver lighting a candle before the service

Today is Palm Sunday, leading into Holy Week. I’ve been attending Monica Park Christian Church in Garland, while the Encounter Gallery paintings are installed. I place the paintings on the easel at the front before the service so it is easy to move it closer to the center before the Pastor starts the sermon.

Earlier this morning I noticed Kelly lighting a candle next to the painting “Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross”. I liked this visual and Kelly agreed to a picture. This practice is not something we do in my tradition, so I also asked her why she lit the candle this morning. Kelly said “My BFF had a 5 bypass heart surgery last May, and a couple of weeks ago she had a defibrillator put in. I light it to help me put focus on my prayers.”

I am often reminded how easy it is to wander mentally while praying. Holding the lighter, and touching it to the wick takes some concentration and allows for a moment to focus. I appreciate the beauty, effort, and effect of this practice. 

Posted on

At Monica Park Christian Church

Stella McCain and Mary Apple Batiste viewing St. Serapion

The Encounter Gallery paintings are currently installed in the sanctuary at Monica Park Christian Church in Garland, Texas. Pastor Eddie Hill and the whole congregation have been so gracious. It’s been a pleasure to meet and talk, and also worship with them on Sunday mornings the last few weeks.

Both sides of the sanctuary before the service.

I tried to be as unobtrusive as I could, but here’s a picture taken of the side walls from the back row during the early part of the service a few weeks ago.

And during the service.

On Thursday, March 28 at 7 pm, Monica Park will hold a Maundy Thursday service. Pastor Eddie has asked me to speak about the paintings and give some insight into why I painted them. I’ve chosen a couple that directly relate to the ideas behind Maundy Thursday, and will end with some stories behind the “24 Feet”, and why I painted that. Please join us!

Posted on

Anna in the Temple with the Child

Anna in the Temple with the Child
Oil on canvas
24″ x 18″

I’ve wanted to do this painting for a long time, and now it’s done. The models are my beautiful mother, Virginia Reed and her latest great-grandchild Eliza. Thank you Ben & Kathryn for allowing us to include Eliza!

I’m very pleased with how this painting turned out. Anna is so joyous and tickled to be holding this baby. Her expression is exactly what I was looking for. And the child is completely content in her arms.

This painting is now hanging at Monica Park Christian Church in Garland, Texas. In fact, just this last Sunday, Pastor Diana preached on Simeon and Anna both and used the two paintings to illustrate the passage in Luke. That was a great blessing to see and hear the sermon.

Posted on

Encounter Gallery Catalog

A catalog of the Encounter Gallery paintings is available. There are some sample pages below. Each painting has a short essay along with the scripture text. About half of the essays were written by friends, the other half are my own stories.

The catalogs are $20. If you would like to purchase one, let me know by sending an email to russ@encountergallery.com. I’ll reply with ways to send payment, and then bring a copy to you next time we meet, or drop one in the mail.

If you would like to have an art print made, let me know which painting you are interested in, and the size you would like (16 x 20’s are less that $50), and I will work on it.