Desert Watch

The Story

Desert Watch began during a hike through Monument Valley.  

Surrounded by those massive formations, across the valley was something more than a rock shadow.  High along the formation, the shape of a figure seemed to emerge-as though Jesus were standing there, quietly watching over the valley below.

Once I say Him, I couldn't unsee Him.

I wanted the painting to hold onto that feeling-the enormity of the landscape, the ruggedness of the mountains, and that quiet presence standing above it all.

I painted the mountains entirely with a palette knife, building the 48 x 24 canvas with layers of color and texture to capture the strength and raw beauty of Monument Valley.

And there, overlooking it all, stands the Watcher.

Reflection

Sometimes God's presence isn't loud.

It can be found in the stillness of a landscape, in a shape we suddenly notice, or in an ordinary moment that causes us to look twice.

For me, this view became a reminder that even when we can't see what lies ahead, we are never beyond His sight.

He sees the whole valley.

He sees the path.

And He watches over us as we walk through it.

Scripture

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

-Psalm 121:8