Faces. A story in every one of them. A personality looking out. A visage to be looked upon, possibly understood, maybe even loved. And I do love to paint faces. For some time I’ve thought of doing a series in grand scale, monumental, Gulliver-esque. But where to show them? Then the famous Crystal Cathedral offered space for a show in company with an invitation to be interviewed on air and an evening’s speaking at the church. That put me to work and I produced five for the show, and hung 50 others.
Eyes on the Cross, Cameroon (detail). Click on these for finished version, and then again on it for larger view.
The girl from Cameroon is the first I attempted. That was before I got the idea for a series. I’d painted her before, small, but I always thought those lips needed further exploration, a revealing of their true glory. What landscape can compare with lips close up? She wears no lipstick but every color in the catalog is hers naturally. And the eyes, glistening wet, reflecting what she is looking upon. In my photo reference the eyes were so clear you could see the photographer. But I thought a cross more fitting for her gaze. Good for the Easter season. Or any time.
The painting in progress, stapled to the studio wall, Size: 78×95 inches.
These pieces are just short of eight feet wide and six feet tall. The “in process” photos are to give a sense of perspective. A lot of paint is required, a lot of canvas, and a lot of space. And it can be messy, my clothes even taking on the look of a painting.
Eyes on the Cross, Tibet, 73×95, Oil over Acrylic.
All of these are from photos I’ve had for some time, waiting for the right occasion. Putting a reflected cross in each eye, sometimes very subtly, further established a theme. Each is painted with a slightly different style. Note the different colors on each side of the brush, handy for slapping in different areas at virtually the same time.
Eyes on the Cross, Native American, 73×95, Oil over Acrylic, in process.
Click on the picture and you’ll see that this one ended up a different than it was at this stage. I decided a darker background was needed. Then I wasn’t sure but it was late to go back. So I hit it again with some palette-like texture and called it done. Another thing you can’t really see here is the thick paint. I finished this one up with a lot of palette knife work.
Eyes on the Cross, Pakistan, 73×95, Acrylic.
I completed this one in a different location, thus the newspaper masking the wall, and done completely in acrylic…because I needed to move it immediately after completion. Capturing that restrained smile was this one’s challenge, some five or six times larger than mine.
Eyes on the Cross, Japan, 73×95, Acrylic.
Okay, so here’s another done in acrylic only, but for other reasons. I was experimenting with a new style altogether. I’ve often thought that, as I live and work with a printmaker (Anne) I should let some of her techniques influence me. So for the hair I used one of Anne’s hand-carved linoleum plates, slathering it with paint and pressing it on the canvas. For the face I did the same but used scraps of bubble wrap. Worked great, don’t you think?
A detail of the same little girl all rendered in dots from the bubble wrap. As I always say, “A painter isn’t a painter because he uses a brush; he is a painter because he uses paint.” You can get the paint on in any way that works.
Another thing I always say is that the lips are more challenging than even the eyes. And getting them right is all the more rewarding. In this case, it was as much happy accident as anything, what with the hard-to-control bubble wrap as painting tool.
One of the walls in the Crystal Cathedral show, in their architecturally stunning visitor’s center. It’s a museum-like space and perfect for a show of big pieces. Click on this photo and the following for better views.
Just a couple more photos of the space with the art hanging. I’d rather moved on from doing so many ethnic types, market forces being what they are. Still, for this show, such is the theme. Fifty-five pieces are up, plus the popular “Last Supper with Twelve Tribes” for a rare extended showing.
Included is an array of some 20 standing portraits.
9:43 am
Good for you, Hyatt. Great show!
9:50 am
Hyatt, As always, your work draws much emotion from me. What a beautiful display of your paintings. We’ll be out on April 27th, then Liz heads to Bangkok for meetings from there on May 2nd. I fly back to Orlando. Blessings to you and Anne.
10:04 am
Beautiful.
10:04 am
What an incredible display of God’s handiwork in the faces of these people, and what a gift you have in reflecting that to the world. I especially loved the Japanese girl and the texturing you did via the lino and bubble wrap. You both are so creative. Have a blessed Easter.
10:17 am
Hyatt, I am in awe as usual, love the bubble wrap! The faces are incredible – I feel honored to know you!
Lora
10:20 am
Now you have got my attention. You have hit your stride. With these faces and the crosses within the eyes you are telling the kind of story I think is important. But then that’s just me.
10:23 am
These new works are Stunning!! I am anxious to see the entire show.
10:33 am
I really like these faces! What fun to do them that size and have a big enough place to display them. Say “hi” to Anne for me.
10:43 am
JUST BEAUTIFUL ! SO MUCH TALENT !!!
10:54 am
Hyatt, I enjoyed seeing these striking portraits very much, and I am grateful that God opened up such an opportunity for you to bless others with your artistic talent! Thanks for sharing them with me.
10:56 am
These are absolutely AMAZING! I cannot imagine painting on such a big canvas! I will go and visit the show at the C.C.
I hope to see you one these Mondays.
Thanks for keeping me in touch!
Ferial
11:03 am
Oh wow Hyatt. These are fabulous. Thanks for making such a nice website display for us to see. I hope I can stop by and see them in person next week. I def have to invest in some bubble-wrap brushes. Nice touch!
Peace,
Rich Brimer
11:16 am
WOW – Crystal Cathedral has something new that’s as good as “The Glory of” productions. Praise God for your heart for Jesus and for people, and for the talent he’s given you and Anne to communicate his love through art.
11:46 am
I am thrilled to see your new art! What an incredible talent! Absolutely breathtaking!
12:06 pm
Hyatt, You paint with so much love and respect for humanity it almost makes me want to join the peace corps. In fact I felt like the crosses in the eyes were kind of guilding the lily. Great work.
12:06 pm
Just beautiful! Will have to get to the Cathedral to see it in person.
12:22 pm
Truly stunning for big-format portraits, interesting bubble-wrap technique and subtle Christian message embedded in beauty of eyes. Hope to view sermon 4/1l.
6:01 pm
I’m so excited for your wonderful exposure as a result of the showing at the Crystal Chathedral. I pray it brings you and Anne a large number of new sales.
7:49 pm
Congrats! What a stunning show. Wish I were there to see in person. So glad I saw your work in Sacramento last year.
9:25 pm
your creative energy never cease. So refreshing and contageous. Every time I look at your work at e-gallery, I get inspired. There is so much life gushing out of your work, be it paintings or your house, or anything that you do. Praise God for His gift in you. You are a blessing to all of us, even over cyberspace!
6:57 am
I love the faces. You seem to prefer women’s faces, Hyatt. Who doesn’t! Wish I could come see the Crystal Cathedral exhibit in person, but I’m busy doing my “art” in Japan (music and preaching). But every day I see “The Next Supper” — a print posted right next to the door where I take my morning shower, here in Kyoto! I’m proud of my brother! Steve Moore
1:25 pm
Amazing and spectacular. We are always so moved by your work and Anne’s.
12:23 pm
Hello Hyatt.
That is spectacular ! What a superb space to hang your perfectly stunning paintings.
Cheers.
Judy
8:11 pm
Hyatt
Just beautiful! What a fantastic exhibit.
Every Blessing
Nancy
10:50 am
what a perfect venue for your beautiful works…symbiotic?
i loved each and every face…couldn’t pick a favorite.
thank you hyatt. love to you both sudie
11:09 pm
You and Anne are absolutely fantastic artists. I love the paintings. I will be watching along with my mom of 96 yrs on April 11th for the Hour of Power and your interview. I will be going to see the display in person but will find out how long it will be. Thanks to Steve for sending me the website address. I will send it to others.
Very Creative!
4:42 pm
Very happy for you in this great opportunity to share your work! I know it will bless many. Wish we could see it in person but I do remember the beautiful standing portraits
7:29 pm
Hyatt,your work inspires on so many levels, artistically and spiritually. Your spirit of enterprise has been rewarded and the showcase can only be dreamed about, the Crystal Cathedral.The art work conveys the love and energy of the faces with vibrant power.
You are a gift to us all. Fantastic moment on the 11th April.
I will inform my dad who faithfully records H of Power each week, to look out for this special day.
We will agree to pray that your words and the images will speak to this global audience God has given to you.
Our love to you and to Anne also.
ps.Another christian artist (Australian photographer Ken Duncan) has been able to convey his love of God with the natural world, has recently showcased at the CC.
5:45 am
Les visages sont différents, les pays aussi!!
mais on dirait que les yeux regardaient le même paysage.
enfin d’après le reflet sur les yeux.
suis curieuse de savoir ce qui attiré le regard de ces visages dans le monde entier!!!
10:13 am
I love you work. Any chance you would consider doing a companion painting–the Wedding Feast of the Lamb with People of the Nations celebrating?
7:10 am
Hi Hyatt! Those faces are amazing! I miss getting the sneak peek in your studio. Hope you are well. Thanks for all your continual inspiration.