Inspiring Oil Paintings on Exhibit in July at the MSAS

"It has been recounted that upon debuting his “Messiah,” The composer Frideric Handel had asked someone in attendance what they had thought of his latest composition. Their response to his inquiry was that they had liked and enjoyed it very much. To which Handel replied, “I’m so very sorry. I was hoping that you would have been changed.”
Through my long experience and love of the human form and the desire to convey it's beauty in an evocative manner, my hope is that I might create art that would move others, either in ways similarly to how I have been moved personally, or in ways unique to the viewer.
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In terms of my motivation and inspiration. There is so much to the created order. A truly endless array of visual imagery which tantalizes and captures the imagination. From a simple, lyrical line, to the turn of a head, to the gesture of a wind-blown sapling, and which, I believe, point to the One who is the source of all beauty. For me, simple honesty is all that is required. No hidden meaning, or manifestos. Just a simple, honest reaction and response to what I see. These images and icons prompt me to share the Imago Dei that I see around me and which point to the ultimate artist and restorer, or repairer of cracked icons, of which we all are in some measure." Artist: Chris Benavides