Inspiration for Penitence

Another painting from my time exploring the solitary male and his emotions, Penitence is definitely autobiographical. But it also depicts a universal narrative: everyone has experienced the need for repentance. Every single one of us has wronged somebody else to the extent of undergoing crushing sorrow and desiring forgiveness. Some people have responded to that experience, and so become more humble and more truly human. Others ignore or actively drown out that awareness, and so lose a part of their humanity.

I wanted a fellow that was handsome and muscular, but still very representative of “everyman.” I draped the model in a flowing red sheet to symbolize the depth of his passionate emotions. (Tastefully clothed models are, I believe, the best approach to working with the figure in narrative paintings.) The semi-nude aspect represents his nakedness before God, exposed down to his very core. The broken glass pitcher behind him reflects his own brokenness of soul, and also the fragility of a human life. The powerful light on his torso signifies the working of redemption. I desire that when someone sees this painting that it fills him or her with hope.  The man depicted here pleads for forgiveness, and he receives it. Will we follow his example?

Starting Penitence 

Although I’ve modeled for my own painting sources before, I generally like to start painting from life. Any artist worth his or her salt will tell you that painting from life is the best method to begin a painting. The human eye is almost infinitely more complex and perceptive than the camera, and of course, we have total control over what we see (if our eyes are healthy!). From a technical standpoint, the camera simply can’t capture subtle color tones, especially in light and shadow. It has to expose for one or the other, but can’t do both. So the darks will either be completely black, or the whites will be blown out. Artists can somewhat compensate for this through HDR photography, but it’s still not comparable to direct observation from life. (“HDR” stands for “High Dynamic Range.” Read a bit more about HDR photography here.)