The Empty Canvas
The empty canvas beckons me, but what I ask?
The trees, the hills, and the rivers are still there, but they’ve been painted so many times before.
The kettles and roses, the pillars and vases, what of these I wonder?
The sketch is begun with the first stroke. And then it emerges, what was once just an idea, an inspiration, now comes forth.
But what is original, what is new and different that I might say?
For all has been done before, there is nothing new under the sun.
But you see, each and every artist is different in their own way. The petals are still yellow and crimson, but are unique still the same. And the lemon and the apple are not your usual grocery store variety.
Grab another cup of coffee, the journey has just begun. Erase that line, and better yet, start it all over. Move the tree to the left, and the bridge to the middle perhaps.
Ah….and now, you’re cooking with gas. Mix the Alizarin and the Viridian, the shadows are deep. Remember, it’s a forest, and mystery is needed.
And sunlight filters through the leaves. It’s golden hues spread through the tempered oaks and elms. The sturdy branches and textured bark shows strength and resolve.
But what of the sky I wonder; is it bright and sunny, or cloudy and dark? The mood is important, and its light will be seen.
Is it inviting and does mystery come forth? Only time will tell, as the hues and brushstrokes emerge.
And now the texture is added, and a crispness is seen. But it’s just a canvas you say, made up of cotton and wood.
Perhaps an old house is needed there; and yet, don’t make it too obvious to find. Remember, it’s part of the design, not its own thing.
And then it’s done in its own way. The empty canvas is gone, and a new life has been made. The scene is complete and you step away.
But one more look is needed. Surely, something is left undone. The light is ethereal, but not quite there you say. The shadows are deep, but perhaps too dark one might think.
But the palette is cleaned and the brushes are washed. Another blank canvas has left this earth, and it’s set along the wall to wait.
Originally posted: December 24, 2015.
Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson
Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?
Beautiful.