Romance of Europe — Cathedral Hill
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I have always loved the red brick buildings of old England. Add to this the quaintness of its structures and the charm of its village store-front shops and you have the potential makings of everything visually romantic. Using as my starting point a photograph I took of Lincoln's 'Steep Hill', a street most appropriately named, I have attempted to create the kind of 'romance' of which I am hear speaking. Steep Hill is exactly that ... steep! But in the painting, I have exaggerated it slightly for effect. This street, which I am calling 'Cathedral Hill,' takes us through the middle of a variety of shops and business establishments. There is a place of learning - a library; restaurants; cake and pie shop; a bank and a hotel; a haberdashery store and a jeweller's shop, not to mention places of residence. These are normally expected and often frequented establishments encountered by each of us during our lives. Each is neutral enough in its own way. But they can also become serious distractions which may entrap us ... perhaps to the neglect of other more important things like family, home and our relationship with God. In life we can be enticed into a downward turn when we yield to sin. The cathedral stands erect at the bottom of the hill, as if symbolizing God's presence and faithfulness the whole time we are distracted by the world. Yet if we look ahead and lift our eyes in the direction of God, He can help us live a balanced life in the midst of all the temptations which call-out to us from every side. And if in our weakness we find ourselves falling into sin, He remains ready to lift us up and to restore us when we come to Him in repentance and faith. This street is a depiction of life with all of its pitfalls and challenges. But it is also a reminder that when kept in balance by faith in God and a commitment to Christ, the Christian life is both satisfying and fulfilling, leading ultimately to a joyful worship of God Himself. |
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