I can't possibly say enough about Morgan Weistling. My husband first encountered his artwork at the annual "Festival of the Nativities" held in Bellevue, Washington, while walking through a room dedicated entirely to the life and ministry of Christ. In the room, though it was filled with paintings and stories, one piece stood out to my husband above all the others. It was an image entitled "Walking with God," and depicted the young Jesus taking some of his early steps as a child with his father, Joseph, holding his hands and guiding him. My husband was captured not only by the beautiful painting style, and the deep earth tones, but by his personal connection to the scene. He later told me of a memory he had of his little brother learning to walk. The little child was afraid to take his first steps, and cried when trying to do so. After some time, he was finally able to take his first steps and accelerated into a typically energetic toddler. This painting reminded Kyler of the faith required, even by little ones, to take those first brave steps, and also the faith required by each of us when venturing to try something new. It connected with him on a personal level, which is one of the best qualities of Weistlings paintings. Fast forward one year, while Kyler and I were on our honeymoon at beautiful summer resort. While wandering the large hallways and massive guest spaces, he noticed another piercing image above the mantel of a large fireplace. Upon closer inspection, we realized once again that we had happened upon another Weistling image. This time of a cloaked girl. We did not know the personal meaning of this image, but concluded that we really liked his loose painterly style, the readily seen strokes, the deep tones, and the vivid gaze of the young girl, inviting you to ponder and seek to know the deeper meaning behind the image. Yet a third and fourth time I happened upon a Weistling artifact while seeking a Christmas gift for Kyler. I discovered that he had released a book entitled "The Image of Christ" filled with paintings he had created all about Christ and his life. I purchased the book for Kyler prior to our marriage and engagement, and within weeks, happened upon another copy of it for sale at a thrift store and bought one for myself! (Now that we are married, we have two copies!) Needless to say, we felt personally drawn to his beautiful and meaningful work, which is why I have chosen to introduce him to you as the artist spotlight this week. Weistling practically grew up with a pencil and brush in his hand, taking his very first lessons at only 19 months old, sitting on the knees of his father. By the age of 15, Weistling had already begun his formal art training at the Brandes Art Institute in Los Angeles, and by 19 had his first job working for the top-advertising agency in the area: Bacon Reneric Design. He created countless movie posters and advertisements before retiring from the industry 14 years later and beginning his more personal line of work. What is captivating about Weistling's work is that he draws on history to create compelling scenes from back when times were simpler. He captures personalities, hints of light, stories that warm your heart and remind you of simpler times. He tells stories of young girls acting grown up and washing the laundry of their dollies, or bathing puppies, children reading by the fire, churning butter, baking with the family. He brings back the essence of the past when summers were filled with fishing and baking, dances, and spending time together as a family. It is this link to the past that captures me and reminds me what life is all about. From Weistling's website, he quotes, “In my paintings, I hope to communicate with the viewer the same emotional response that I felt and was inspired by. There has to be something visually stunning in the scene that causes me to want to capture that. Sometimes it is the personality of my model and a particular pose that just begs to be painted. Other times it’s just the way a particular edge stands out among the softer ones around it. Whatever it is, I know it must come from my heart or I won’t stay interested nor will the viewer.” Morgan Weistling has been featured in numerous publications, showcased his work in various exhibitions, has paintings in museums, and has won numerous awards throughout his career. You can find a complete listing of these awards, as well as other information about his work and his life on his website at https://www.morganweistling.com/about/
We hope you will find yourself falling in love, just like we have, with his grand, complex scenes, as well as his simple elegant portraits, capturing moments in time. You can buy his book, prints of his images, or just enjoy viewing them online. Find something in his work that speaks to you, and then share it with someone!
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