New work: Judas at the Tree of Joshua

 

 

Closing the week with a new work “Judas at the Tree of Joshua”, oil on panel, 11 by 14 inches . Back in 2021, while visiting Joshua Tree, I was as usual taken with the stark beauty of the landscape but my appreciation turned melancholic, considering how the grandeur of this land would well suit the desolation of Judas’s final moments. I quickly sketched out an idea, then as typical stashed it away. I’ve turned back to that theme prompted by the austerity of this past Lent. In this small yet compact painting the Enemy accompanies our poor Judas , encouraging his pride ( the peacock perched symbolizing that all too common sin ), that he was alone , unforgivable. The painting I hope captures that familiar sense of desolation and desperation. I’ve always had a soft spot for Judas , always hoping , that somehow , unrecorded in any Gospel account , that in the end, as the coins drop mutely upon the sand, that he made amends with his Lord and friend .

One can hope .

Initial sketch: