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ST. FRANCIS AND THE TREE OF LIFE

St. Francis and the Tree of Life 12 x 24 limited edition of 95 Signed / Numbered.

This painting is a little different for me. I was asked to do a commission for my friend Dr. Kathleen Ramsay, "Doc". She is the wildlife vet that rescues orphaned bears then release them in the fall after they've fattened up at the "Bear Cantina" on acorns and pecans. People in Las Cruces have gathered pecans and acorns for the bears for several years. Many of the animals in this painting have been patients of hers. She treated the Eagle for lead poisoning and I used a photo of its release to the wild. She's had as many as 38 baby bears orphaned from wildfires. There's no animal she won't try to help. Doc has a collection of St. Francis art in entry to her Casita and had one more space to fill. I loved making this painting. It grew like the Tree of Life as I picked 12 animals to be the branches of the tree. There is a story that St. Francis saved a small village from a wolf with a prayerful connection with the wolf and the villagers.
St. Francis is seated under the Tree of Life with 12 animals. Each animal is an abstract
design in the branches of the tree. Woven through the tree is a banner with the first line
of the prayer of St. Francis. LORD MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE,
WHERE THERE IS HATE LET ME SOW LOVE.

santa's first gift

Limited Edition of 95 signed and numbered Giclee on canvas 12 x 16

Santa's First Gift
The painting shows a combination of the Santa story including the reindeer as they admire Jesus, the reason for the season.   The Star of Bethlehem shows the way.
Nicholas, who was born during the third century in a small village at the South end of Turkey, was raised to be a devout Christian. Nicholas was a young boy when his wealthy parents, died in an epidemic.
He sold his inheritance and gave his money and possessions to the poor. He dedicated his life to the service of God. As a young man he became Bishop and was known for his generosity and love of children.   Santa embodies the Spirit of Giving. St Nicholas was a devout Christian.     Jesus was God’s gift to mankind and Santa’s First Gift.