2.16.2011

Beneath Golgotha

There truly is a face of a skull in the side of the hill just as I painted it. When on a research trip to the Holy Land I visited a place believed to be where Christ was crucified. It was called Golgotha or Calvary, which when translated means “place of the skull.” There is no geological formation around Jerusalem which resembles this spot. It is just North of the city a short distance from the Damascus Gate. Currently there is an Arab bus station beneath the hill. On the opposite side of the hill is the Garden Tomb.

Click on image to enlarge

This painting is very different from other Crucifixion scenes I have seen. Traditionally it would be painted on top of a hill and the cross would be straight and well crafted. I endeavored in every way to paint this scene as archeologically accurate as possible. The Savior’s body has just been pulled down from the cross and is being wrapped while the Roman guards gather together on the right side. The crosses are made from olive trees which would have been the common wood used for crucifixion. This image is both haunting and provocative to me as I consider the reality of my Lord’s final hours in mortality.

 Here is a picture of how it appears today from a different angle. 

2.12.2011

Via Dolorosa is Almost Here!

We are just about to release the Via Dolorosa painting!  Currently, we are finishing up the video and I'm putting final touches on the interactive website to help explain the painting.  The main idea of this painting is to get people thinking about what it means to be a "true Christian."  What do you think is a true Christian?  This painting has over one hundred figures from history that left their footprint on Christianity.  The video will give a good idea of the point I'm trying to make.  I think it will certainly cause people to think.

To view the preview video click here.

2.02.2011

Original Drawing GIVEAWAY!

This is the drawing that I used for the painting, “I Will Always Love You.” If you watch the video “The Face of Christ,” it is featured at about 30 seconds into the video. I figured those who take the time to enter this contest are deserving of the prize. Good Luck!  (Contest Rules Below)

Click on image to enlarge.

ONE PRIZE WILL BE AWARDED:
…the original drawing, “I Will Always Love You” accompanied by a written note authenticating the drawing and a few personal comments from myself.

TO ENTER:
* First, simply Facebook about this giveaway. Comment on the Facebook post that you went to http://www.youtube.com/user/McNaughtonArt and your favorite video was (name a video)

*Second, Sign up as a subscriber on my Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/McNaughtonArt and pick your favorite video and leave a comment of why you chose that particular video. Be sure to tell me your name so I can find you on Facebook to give you your prize.

*Giveaway will be closed by February 2, (Wednesday) and the winner will be announced on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

NOTE: We will use a computerized random number picker to choose the winner. I will do similar contests in the future to give away more original drawings. I don’t expect huge numbers of people to enter…so your chances may be better than average. Good luck!