The Narrow Road

Media: oil, charcoal, chalk pastel, & Red-bellied woodpecker feather on paper

Size: 18” x 12”


"It’s paradoxical to take the narrow path, sometimes darker and more obscured. It’s easier to do so many things, whereas the harder things are in general, much better for us. Well, then you could argue that the narrow road, the harder things in life, actually equate to an easier life; better stated, a more rewarding, joyful life.
I’ve read before that every work of art is a self portrait. I’m not sure about that, but it’s interesting to contemplate. At least, I think every artwork is an extension of its creator. If this includes a self portrait, I’d say the gaze is looking at the 3 ladies in my life, my daughters and wife. On the garment a cowboy rides a bull, or he’s leading a wagon cart pulled by a steer, and moving through some scrub. I see several cactus, another figure, and a little cabin. The posture is more submissive. The figure is knelt on knees, arms outstretched, signifying both a weariness and a willingness to seek the narrow road, that narrow gate; Also, delivering a message of importance to seek and take that path. It’s the real refuge and salvation in life. Being human, you have to get rinsed over and over again. The cowboy hat is an invaluable piece of kit. That little red-bellied woodpecker feather at the top, a kind of flare, a treasure of nature, to him who wears it. Underneath the right arm is Lord God, arm outstretched, at the end of the narrow path. The road here is outlined by 2 single strokes in blue."