Pathways to Rest: Earth and Water

2024,Acrylic on Canvas
30x48
Pathways to Rest: Earth and Water, This painting explores the artist’s sacred connection to nature as a source of renewal and rest, drawing inspiration from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s concept of the "seven types of rest" outlined in Sacred Rest. These include physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest, all of which the artist experiences in nature. The work also reflects Gary Thomas’s Sacred Pathways, which describes nine different spiritual temperaments, unique ways people naturally connect with God. Among these temperaments, the artist resonates most deeply with connecting to God through nature, making it a central theme in this work.
 
Blue and green, symbolizing healing, balance, and peace. Blue, the color of inner calm and spirituality, is a recurring motif in the artist's portraits, representing the act of seeking divine healing for the mind. Green, the color of growth and renewal, reflects the life cycle of plants, a metaphor for the artist's journey of serenity.
Rooted in the therapeutic principles of color therapy, the palette evokes tranquility and grounding. Blue calms the mind and soothes pain, while green relieves stress and fosters harmony. Together, these hues mirror the nourishing presence of nature, which serves as both a sacred space and a wellspring of rest for the artist.
Through this work, the artist invites viewers to reflect on their own sacred connections and to embrace the restorative power of Earth and Water as pathways to peace and renewal.