Endurance

Pastel, 12 x 8

© 2014 Paula Somma.  All rights reserved.

I am fascinated with trees and thoroughly enjoy painting them.  Some stand out more than others to me symbolic of character or emotion.  This one was on the road out to Julian awhile back and looks as though it's younger years endured quite a bit of harsh winds and weather to form it's trunk this way.  What interest me most is that the roots must run deep and be anchored to solid ground in order for it to hold this posture and still flourish.  A truth in life.

Christmas Time is Here

Pastel, 9 x 12

© 2014 Paula Somma. All rights reserved.

For our Christmas card this year, I wanted to create something less traditional yet still bring glory to God for His amazing gift to us all.   My hope is that this peaceful image, although a tree, will still point to the birth of Jesus, the true meaning of Christmas.  The Evergreen tree has been known to represent everlasting life for it's endurance of life through the dead of winter.  The triangular shape also symbolic of the Trinity and points all to heaven.  With the sun setting behind the tree, I wanted the hints of light to decorate the tree in place of manmade lights, for it is God's handiwork and ability to shine and reveal Himself through His creation.  I placed the tree in an open field to represent that there is nothing that hinders us from freely coming to Christ, His invitation is to all and for all through His immeasurable love for us.

Have a wonderful Christmas!