About this same time, I attended LEAD training, an amazing training conference at the Howard Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership at DTS. The four main goals of this week long training were to:
- Affirm God's design and work in your life
- Discover or clarify your life dream
- Identify and address core hindrances
- Develop a game plan to facilitate fulfillment of your life dream
Basically, what I got out of this week was that, God would not have put this talent in me or this insatiable desire to create and be creative, if He didn't want me to do something with it. Yes, it was difficult at times, and frustrating when I failed, but I could and should keep working at it. The workshop leaders there strongly encouraged me to continue to pursue painting and see where it lead. The result was this painting.
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| Original Prodigal by Cheryl White Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 36" Not Available |
I love this theme because this story is at the core of how I myself relate to God. I am continually humbled and amazed by the unconditional forgiveness extended to me no matter how hard I fall or or deep I plunge into my own prideful indulgence. This is my first of many attempts at this theme and it turned out better than the last one which was somewhat encouraging. I'll show you more Prodigal Son paintings later and more that look like stained glass as well.
Also at this time, I began to search for a painting mentor here in the area and became involved with VAL (Visual Art League). I met some very talented artists and began learning as much as I could. I actually brought this painting to my first VAL meeting and was so encouraged by that experience. I loved having a group of skilled and experienced artists to meet with and learn from. More to come.
