Bukowski Painting- Dedication Service

I was in Portland, Oregon last weekend for the dedication of the altarpiece. Actually it is at Reformation Lutheran Church in Hillsboro. In this picture I am standing with Pastor Steven Brockdorf. I was thrilled to be able to meet the congregation and present an art lecture after the service. When a conservative church body commissions a work of art to enhance worship, it is something to celebrate. It is most satisfying to do a work of art that supports the Christian faith. The artwork directs the thoughts of the congregation in a way that blank walls and brick can't possibly, and in the media drenched age we are in, this is an exciting event.

Bukowski Painting - Away from the Garden IV

William Bukowski
Sermon on the Mount, Center of the altarpiece
Reformation Lutheran Church 2008

With the central panel I was commissioned to paint the Sermon on the Mount. This was challenging because I wanted a group that may resemble the people of the congregation. The landscape is accurate based on a trip I made to the Holy Land, though it is simplified. The shade from the tree made sense to me and allowed me to break up the light as it spreads across the figures.
The Christ figure is large in stature and visually dominates the scene. I liked the agitated skies of the side panels in contrast to the calm blue skies of the center.