Fantasy Exercise #1 The Crucifixion

Fantasy Exercise #1 The Crucifixion 

How would you paint the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

There are so many versions of the scene and I think when we look at the work of another artist, we can get so caught up in trying to figure out what that artist is saying that we never take the time to imagine our own scene. I hope you will join me in the coming weeks to do a little fantasy exercise to create an onramp for your devotional time. 

Christ on the Cross, 1870, Carl Heinrich Bloch (1834-1890) oil on copper, Museum of National History, Copenhagen Denmark,       Image Source

Again, How would you decide to paint the crucifixion scene? What would you want to say? 

Would you attempt to delve into something that the primary purpose was a historically accurate account of the brutality and violence? or would you instead want to focus on the people that surrounded the cross and their individual reactions on the day? 

How would you paint the sky? Would you fill it with the unseen angels? or something more natural like the sunrise in the above painting by Carl Bloch? 

Would you include the soldiers that mocked Jesus? And the two thieves who were nailed on crosses beside him…?

Which moment would you pick to capture? Do you see the moment of his thirst or perhaps his “My God why have you forsaken me” moment?

or would you paint the moment he says “It is finished” and breathes his last breath?

As you wonder about all this, can you list the feelings your painting evokes in you? Do you want to turn away because you feel horror and shame? or do you feel inspiration and dedication at the passion of our Lord? Maybe you tend to focus on the ugliness of our world that could do such a thing…

or perhaps you prefer to focus on the beauty of a God who could sacrifice so much? 

While you are thinking on this, painting your fantasy painting of the mind, can you hear anything? Can you hear the sights and sounds of the day or maybe you begin to think of some music, song or treasured hymn….

I gave my life for thee…

Just as I am…

Why me Lord? 

Would you consider sharing a little bit of your fantasy painting?

or if you like, share a favorite scripture or song? 

Thanks for reading!

May God’s peace be with you!

Jennifer