This Was for You

"This Was for You"  a 24" x 36" oil on canvas presents a powerful and visceral interpretation of sacrifice and grace, offering a moment of raw emotional engagement centered on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the heart of the painting, Jesus is depicted on the cross, crowned with thorns and marked by wounds that speak to profound suffering and unwavering endurance. The composition commands attention not through restraint, but through bold brushwork and a striking interplay of colors that intensify the narrative.

In creating This Was for You, I sought to capture a sense of purpose threaded through vulnerability—a reminder that care can be sacrificial and courageous. The painting embodies a presence that is both stark and deeply humane, compelling viewers to witness a narrative where protection and pain converge. The process of building the piece involved embracing the unpredictable energy of the brush, allowing the colors and textures to assert themselves in service of the emotion. This approach felt necessary to convey the layered experience of the crucifixion—not as distant history, but as a living, resonant act of care.

Unlike my previous work, which often invites quiet reflection or gentle companionship, This Was for You embraces intensity and confrontation. It challenges the viewer to engage with care as it manifests in profound sacrifice—offering an invitation to consider the depth of compassion required to bear another’s burden fully. Through its vibrant and textured surface, the painting asserts that true care is not always gentle; at times, it is a steadfast force carried through suffering, endured for the sake of others.