This painting is part of a series of paintings where a red ball is displayed in the foreground. The red ball represents the potential of anyone who seeks the path of enlightenment and truth. Here it is seen sitting in the shadows while the sheep, like people, are just grazing their way through life. The late afternoon light (I chose it because it is the most beautiful and fleeting light of the day) is coming from the right and only one of the sheep notices it. This represents the "Light that lighteth every man's way". Few heed the call, but when they turn toward the Light they embark upon that path of enlightenment and Love. The cross in the distance is a reminder of the limitation of the temporal body and the limitless eternal Spirit of mankind.
This is a typical sight in Norther New Mexico which is very pleasing to the eye. I prepared the canvas with a mixture of cadmium red light and thalo green to save myself a lot of work painting between the tufts of fescue. Interestingly enough: these two colors are used throughout the entire execution of the painting.
"The Red Ball" (24" X 30") Oil on Canvas
