WHO DO YOU VOTE FOR?

Renee' asked me the following question:

"I know this is personal, but curious if you would answer.  Do you have a candidate in mind to vote for?  I am very confused about my decision of who to vote for.  Just like last time, I find myself looking at the people running for office, and I am tormented to make the right choice.  Would respect your input!!"  

My response:

Renee',

Ron Paul is the most constitutional, (which I really like) but the least political.  Some may say that is an asset, but I'm afraid he would have a difficult time getting things done with all the obstacles he would face in Washington.  

Each of the other candidates have something of value and something that makes me doubt.  I keep having debates with my son about voting for Ron Paul.  We talk about the issues of Iran, abortion, illegal immigration.  If I lined up each candidate based on how they meet my personal ideals, Paul is first.  But then there is the argument: is the goal to vote based on ideals or to vote to "remove" Obama and begin the process of reviving our country?  I think Paul may only get the strongly conservative voters.  

When all is said and done, I will vote based on my conscious.

I would be interested in any strong arguments why I should vote for any particular candidate.  This I know...Obama must be voted out of office!

Why the Rooster in WAKE UP AMERICA?

Yesterday I asked the question regarding my new painting, "Wake Up America":  Why did I place the rooster in the painting and what is the symbol I am using?  I promised a free print to the first person who could correctly answer.

I read through all the comments and most all of you were on the right track, but didn't quite take it far enough.  Yes, it is a reference to the New Testament story of how Peter, on the eve of Christ's crucifixion, denied Jesus three times.  When the cock crowed, Peter went and wept bitterly.  The rooster has many symbols and is usually tied with the rise of a new day, waking up, or protection.  In my mind, Americans need to "wake up" to what is happening in our country.  We are in a state of denial and like Peter will go and weep bitterly as we come to realize our mistake.

Gina Burnett was the first of only two that hit the nail on the head...

The rooster is symbolic of the fact that almost all of the people are denying that they are slaves of the government. The "forgotten man" understands that and is trying to break free of government slavery. There are some people that are noticing that, but not yet acting on it. The rooster is a warning of impending disaster. 

I will give her my first print off the press!  Thank you for entering our little contest.  I will do more like this as we roll out the painting.  Remember, let's WAKE UP AMERICA!!

My Favorite Artist

A question I am often asked by others:  What is your favorite artist?  Who inspires you?

It would be Michelangelo.  Yes, he is one of the most famous artists who ever lived (for good reason), but it is the man behind the art that captivates me.  Michelangelo came to us at the heart of the Italian Renaissance.  It was a time when the great artists, architects, sculptors and others where looking to the past in order to improve upon the future.  They were in a sense standing upon the shoulders of the great ones!

During Michelangelo’s life he saw the excavation of incredible sculpture by the Romans that were far more expressive than anything his contemporaries were producing.  It inspired him.  As I have read about Michelangelo’s life I feel that he was driven to create art that glorified God.  He felt that his path was different than others and his education would come through personal study and reflection.  He never sought the acceptance or approval of others, but was fiercely independent.  He always followed his personal vision to create what he thought was the will of God.

I admire Michelangelo, not because I think he was perfect (although he is second to none), but because I see what an artist can do when he puts himself in the hands of the true master, our Lord Jesus Christ.  I will never be a Michelangelo.  I do not want to emulate his art or paint like him.  My path is different.  I will be the best Jon McNaughton I can be.  I will use my art to leave a message to the world that I feel is worth seeing.  Though I may be hated and mocked by many because my art does not fit into their personal view, my voice will be heard.

Each of us should follow the example of Michelangelo as we discover the great voice within us.

Between Them and God

Here is a question I received regarding my painting One Nation Under God.  

AMAZING! While I scrolled over every image (I thought), down front, I could see some of the personalities in me, some of which I was ashamed. I did not realize until I read your commentary, and Satan was in there. I had to go back to find him, I finally did, he is almost transparent. I realized, just as we have Jesus in us, we also have Satan, no matter how faint he is. I applaud you. This made me look at my character, and see me, more clearly. Though I am not proud of some of it...

Thank you!  I like it when people personalize the painting and they find additional meaning.  Your interpretation is exactly what I hope many will consider.

Why would you have Christ be the central figure to such self righteous indignation? 

To have Christ in the center so prominently holding the Constitution makes a powerful statement.  Some would like to interpret this to mean if you’re not a Christian—get out!  My view of Christianity in regards to this painting is this:  God loves all of us.  In the painting His face is sad and He looks off into the distance as if He can see our future.  The purpose of the painting is not to say only Christians belong here.  It is to say that the Constitution is what made our country great.

Why do you judge a whole group of people by the actions of a few? Do you actually believe that Christ would approve of the such a generalization of HIS children?  

I’m not sure why you assume I am judging anyone.  The people in the bottom right corner represent those that I believe are weakening our country by not supporting the principles of the Constitution.  These figures represent a symbol of a type of person.  If there is any kind of “sin” involved, that is between them and God.

My Prayer for 911

Many of us have been thinking about the ten year anniversary of 911 that is approaching.  A stream of emotions floods my mind and heart as I remember the events that day.   We all mourned together as we saw the destruction and loss of life in the Twin Towers, but out of the ashes of that day Americans showed love and compassion and renewed patriotism towards each other.  911 was one of our country’s worst moments and yet one of our very best. 

As we remember 911 I hope we can think of it like a new Independence Day in America.  Let it be a day to remember hope, love, and our dependence on God.  May we seek to find favor and blessings from Him.

Since the mayor of New York will not allow a prayer at the 911 service which will be held, I will offer my own:

Our Father which is in Heaven,

As we remember those whom we love who have died on this hallowed ground, mothers and fathers, men and woman who gave up their lives ten years ago.  Please remember the prayers of thy people.  We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many of thy sons and daughters.  Many of which were trying to help relieve the suffering of those still inside the towers. 

We know that thou art a just God and knoweth all things.  Thou knowest the hearts of conspiring men and those who would seek to destroy our country. 

Today, as our country stands divided, wilt thou open a door to allow for Americans to see the light of liberty.  Wilt thou allow thy Spirit to enlighten the minds and hearts of the Amercican people that they may seek a path of responsibility and prudence and trust in thee in all righteousness.  Lord, bless us to remember we are One Nation Under God.

And this we pray, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Discount for Facebook Fans

As you may have heard we have a TV commercial for One Nation Under God which has begun today!  It's a special offer we have never done before for the purpose of spreading the word that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD!    To see the commercial click here:  www.buyonenationundergod.com

I am offering a five dollar discount to any of my Facebook fans who enter the promo code: JMDISC5

What makes this offer so amazing is that not only do you save $5.00 on the regular price of the print, but you also recieve a detailed Reference Guide with the key to the painting, three 5X7 Gift Cards, a Constitution Booklet, and an hour long documentary about the painting explaining every detail and symbol and my story behind the painting!  It's awesome!!  Now is the best time to get a copy of this for your self or a friend.

After it arrives in the mail, please let me know how you like it!

Sincerely,

Jon McNaughton

What About African Americans?

I had the following question about my painting One Nation Under God:

I love the painting...I really do.  But as an African American...where do we really stand in this country?  I see Fredrick Douglass and Harriett Tubman in the painting but they are in the back and this really shows where we are an ethnic group in America.

This world is just what it is...and as we both know WE ALL will face GOD even the unbelievers. Not trying to make a fuss, but just saying what needs to be said. Thanks for letting me give an opinion.

I responded:

I appreciate your point of view. The subject of race is a sensitive issue. I feel there has been improvement in the white community in regards to racism, although there is obviously room for growth. In my painting I have nine figures directly related to Civil Rights. In the background there are twenty three figures—only three are black. I suppose I looked at the painting to some extent with color blindness. I never meant to make a statement that African Americans are less important. In the Constitution it says that all men are created equal. In the beginning, because of states that disputed the issue of slavery, this part was not complete. With the addition of the thirteenth amendment we moved closer to equal freedoms. You asked, “As an African American…where do we really stand in this country?” Under the Constitution we are now all equal. I believe that as an “AMERICAN”, you can stand for God, you can stand for truth, you can stand for equal rights, and you can stand for liberty. And in the sight of God we are all equal.