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?

50 responses to “Lion of Judah — My Latest Watercolor”

  1. Chuck Harris Avatar

    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”

    1. Randy Avatar

      @Chuck Harris, Ah, chuck. Your comments are such an encouragement tome. You are a Medici yourself!!

      1. Chuck Harris Avatar

        @Randy, i would say in an appreciation sense. wish i could fund more art, including my own.

        1. Randy Elrod Avatar

          @Chuck Harris, Encouragement to an artist is a big deal!! You’ll be able to fund more-just give it time!

    1. Randy Avatar

      @Michelle Wegner, Thanks so much for the RT’s and the comment!!

  2. Krissy Avatar

    I love it! The name, “The Lion of The Tribe of Judah” pierces my soul, so this is absolutely breathtaking!

    1. Randy Avatar

      @Krissy, Thanks, Krissy. The idea of “piercing your soul” and the description of “breathtaking” mean more than I can describe. Thanks!

  3. Rich Kirkpatrick Avatar

    Very impressive Randy!

  4. Sandra Heska King Avatar

    Oh, absolutely. Leaves me breathless.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Sandra Heska King, Ah,thanks! The word “breathless” is the highest compliment to me!

  5. Candace Avatar
    Candace

    Wow factor! Creative choices in colors, including light blue below the mouth…gave it interesting dimension!

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
  6. Ken Avatar

    Sorry that last comment was mine. The spaces were filled in with your info by default. I pressed submit before changing them.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Ken, Ha!!! Anything else? Great observation!!

  7. Randy Avatar

    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!

  8. Jason Avatar

    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.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @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.

  9. Deana O'Hara Avatar

    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.

    1. Deana O'Hara Avatar

      @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

    2. Randy Avatar

      @Deana O’Hara, Thanks, Deana!! Now I’m curious!!

  10. mandythompson Avatar

    I can’t believe it took you a few days to knock this out. Amazing.

    Drops of holy water?

    1. Randy Avatar

      @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?

      1. Julie Kolb Avatar
        Julie Kolb

        @Randy, I do, and very distinctly…but I will let Mandy answer ;)

        1. mandythompson Avatar

          @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.

          1. mandythompson Avatar

            @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.

  11. Christy Avatar

    Absolutely stunning. The complexity of the lion yet the simple look of the whole painting is beautiful.

    1. Randy Avatar

      @Christy, thanks, christy. I LOVE your observation!! Quite a compliment.

  12. Clint Talton Avatar

    Wow…this is incredible Randy!

    1. Randy Avatar

      @Clint Talton, Thanks so much, Clint!

  13. Diana Fraser Avatar
    Diana Fraser

    He’s a beauty, Randy. Absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine what he looks like full size.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar
  14. Julie Kolb Avatar
    Julie Kolb

    Completely blown away…It’s wonderful!!

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @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!!

      1. Julie Kolb Avatar
        Julie Kolb

        @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

  15. Deana O'Hara Avatar

    Each of your paintings get better and better Randy. Nice work.

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @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.

  16. Benita Teems Avatar
    Benita Teems

    Incredible!!!

  17. Kathleen Overby Avatar

    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.

  18. Mark Jaffrey Avatar

    Magnificent! I hope I can see the actual painting in Feb?

    1. Randy Elrod Avatar

      @Mark Jaffrey, Thanks, Mark, It goes to a private home in Colorado today. Road trip?

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