Seasons of Birches
Art for Art’s Sake
I thought I would share some art—just for the sake of art. “Seasons of Birches” is a watercolor series that seeks to reflect the beauty and the changes of birch trees across the seasons. Changing while staying the same is a powerful Biblical concept. For this posting, I thought, “No links, no ‘sale signs.’” We do have prints, but I think listing that could de-value the possibility of something nice—like merely slowing our breathing, calming our spirits, and thinking about seasons, and trees, and colors, and our place in it all. The art is not transcendent. I wouldn’t disagree with someone who might add, “Yeah, and it’s not even good!” It’s certainly not the best you can enjoy (May I suggest John Constable’s English villages and rural settings; here’s a nice viewing site). But it’s something I can give with a prayer that just maybe a stolen moment can translate someone to a nice place, spiritually.
From the vibrant golds of autumn to the quiet blues of winter, the hopeful greens of spring, and the steadfast presence of summer, each season is a moment in God’s creation that invites reflection on the faithfulness of the Lord in the seasons in our lives. But can I receive the gift of His promise? That’s my challenge.
Here are some Bible passages I have given to the pictures (top, left to right). Any enduring transformation will come from God’s Word:
Spring’s Awakening (Green-yellow background): “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)
Summer’s Sanctuary (Larger trunk birches): “They are like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season.” (Psalm 1:3)
Autumn’s Embrace (Orange-gold background): “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
Winter’s Quietude (Blue-purple tones): “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18)
Stunningly beautiful. Thank you.