Lion of Judah — My Latest Watercolor
This is a private commission for Kevin & Julie Ortenblad to hang above the music room at their lodge called Sanctuary in Colorado.
It is the largest watercolor I have ever painted.
36″ x 45″
I used special order Arches handmade watercolor paper.
There are several symbolic references.
Various size prints are available.
To purchase an archival Giclee print go HERE.
Simply specify in the notes at purchase “Lion of Judah”
What do you think?
Magnificent! I hope I can see the actual painting in Feb?
@Mark Jaffrey, Thanks, Mark, It goes to a private home in Colorado today. Road trip?
Just yesterday I was imagining what it would be like to have Aslan look me full in the eye. Feel his breath quickening me. Then this, today. A gift. He’s carries well.
@Kathleen Overby, Thanks, Kathleen!!
Incredible!!!
@Benita Teems, Ah, thanks, Benita!!
Each of your paintings get better and better Randy. Nice work.
@Deana O’Hara, Thanks, Deana. You bought one of my favorite originals ever. I still love that painting!! Hope you are enjoying it, and thanks for supporting an artist like me.
Completely blown away…It’s wonderful!!
@Julie Kolb, Thanks, Julie. I’m really pleased. However, there is no way this picture on the blog does the original justice. It is so big!!
@Randy Elrod, No doubt, the original is even more grand in size and appearance!!…I’m certain the recipient of this piece shall be well pleased
@Julie Kolb, I hope so!!
He’s a beauty, Randy. Absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine what he looks like full size.
@Diana Fraser, Thanks so much, Diana!
Wow…this is incredible Randy!
@Clint Talton, Thanks so much, Clint!
Absolutely stunning. The complexity of the lion yet the simple look of the whole painting is beautiful.
@Christy, thanks, christy. I LOVE your observation!! Quite a compliment.
I can’t believe it took you a few days to knock this out. Amazing.
Drops of holy water?
@mandythompson, Hmmmmmm. First, drops of holy water, I LOVE that? See anything else?
Also, do you think it should have taken me longer or shorter?
@Randy, I do, and very distinctly…but I will let Mandy answer ;)
@Julie Kolb,
I also see water around his mouth. But I don’t want to think about that because I have an aversion to saliva. ew.
More importantly, in the words of my husband: “That doesn’t look like the Lion of Judah. The Lion of Judah looks like a lamb.” THEN I saw it.
Nicely done, Randy.
@mandythompson, And, considering the detail work, longer. But sometimes artists get all manic and in the flow and it just happens fast like that. When inspiration strikes, we should do our best to make room for it in our lives.
@mandythompson, And, maybe, John 19:34?
@mandythompson, Ah,yes!!!
I’m in a really fun mood today, if we were speaking live, I have the best joke for here — but we aren’t so I won’t. Anyway, as for paintings, all I ever purchased before were giclees or modified (embellished) prints. An Apple A Day is my first original painting. She is beautiful and I love it. Yes, I’m enjoying it. — Keep painting my friend.
@Deana O’Hara, — okay Randy — this comment was in reply to yours.. but I pressed the wrong button and it’s stuck here — sorry. I’m a nerd. LOL
@Deana O’Hara, Thanks, Deana!! Now I’m curious!!
OK, I’m no “art critic” or anything close to it…but I see something when I look at that picture beyond the lamb that’s not immediately noticeable. If looking at the lion itself, the grey and white coloring just adds a depth of age and wisdom. The lion captured me with a feeling of a fierce wisdom that nothing could stand against.
Yeah, maybe it’s silly to see that but it captivated me for a few minutes. Great job, Randy. You have such an gift for painting.
@Jason, Thanks, Jason. It is not silly, no matter the artist, art that contains truth, beauty, goodness, radiance, balance and wholeness should move us.
I don’t dare hope for all those aspects,but I know there are some.
GASP!
@Sandra Heska King, Is that a good gasp?
Randy, I love this painting as well as the one I have hanging in my home. You DO get better with each painting. In regard to symbolism I always hate to look for what isn’t there but…… I thought I saw blood, a tear, tears from above, and water. Diane thought she saw Waldo!
Sorry that last comment was mine. The spaces were filled in with your info by default. I pressed submit before changing them.
@Ken, Ha!!! Anything else? Great observation!!
Wow factor! Creative choices in colors, including light blue below the mouth…gave it interesting dimension!
@Candace, Thanks, Candace!!!
Oh, absolutely. Leaves me breathless.
@Sandra Heska King, Ah,thanks! The word “breathless” is the highest compliment to me!
Very impressive Randy!
@Rich Kirkpatrick, thanks so much, Rich!!
I love it! The name, “The Lion of The Tribe of Judah” pierces my soul, so this is absolutely breathtaking!
@Krissy, Thanks, Krissy. The idea of “piercing your soul” and the description of “breathtaking” mean more than I can describe. Thanks!
I love this. :)
@Michelle Wegner, Thanks so much for the RT’s and the comment!!
one word. “nuance”
there are so many of them in this piece. again your use of perspective and light continues to amaze me. and since it’s a commissioned work, looks like you are finding your Medici’s. thanks for the “continual creating”
@Chuck Harris, Ah, chuck. Your comments are such an encouragement tome. You are a Medici yourself!!
@Randy, i would say in an appreciation sense. wish i could fund more art, including my own.
@Chuck Harris, Encouragement to an artist is a big deal!! You’ll be able to fund more-just give it time!