St. Philip’s Divine Light ~ How great thou art!
An historic church and Charleston Landmark, St. Philip’s Church steeple rises above the treetops toward the heavens, as Church Street leads one right to its open gate. From all around Charleston’s downtown this magnificent steeple provides a wonderful landmark to tourists. My painting, entitled St. Philip’s Divine Light, was inspired by an early morning walk around town in which I was seeking artistic inspiration. The streets were dark with long shadows, but the towering church steeple was aglow with a warm light, and I knew I had found what I was looking for!
St. Philip’s Divine Light by William R. Beebe, 40 x 30, Oil on linen, $9600
It was a majestic sight against the pink and pale blue sky. The few clouds were light and airy, seemingly pierced by the gold cross atop the steeples pointed spire. There was an ethereal quality to the scene that spoke to me. The morning light softened the tops of the trees that canopy Church Street, while all not touched by light remained dark and still.
St. Philip’s Divine Light by William R. Beebe, close up
I painted the church mostly with a palette knife, creating some texture. By applying the paint a little thicker it helps maintain the saturation in the light colors instead of thinning it out with a brush, creating a richness to the paint. I softened most of the edges and intentionally kept them broken in form to create a more painterly painting, steering away from a refined, realistic representation.
St. Philip’s Divine Light by William R. Beebe, close up
The painting is 40 inches tall and 30 inches wide, oil on linen. I felt this divine scene deserved to be significant in size. The painting is about light, which often symbolizes hope, goodness, and evokes a spiritual connection that draws inspiration and illumination for those seeking it. After all, it was the light on the steeple that captured my attention that morning when I was seeking inspiration.
I hadn’t set out thinking I wanted to paint another church painting, but I was drawn there and I knew immediately that this would be my next painting.
I hope you like St. Philip’s Divine Light and that this scene speaks to you like it does to me.
Thank you for reading my journal and for your interest in my art. It is appreciated very much.
“One of the joys of being an artist is having the freedom to follow my passion….”
What’s next?
Drawing by William R. Beebe