Showing posts with label Stephen B. Whatley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephen B. Whatley. Show all posts

Sunday, January 07, 2018

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Epiphany of Our Lord. 2018 by Stephen B Whatley
The Epiphany of Our Lord by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr

By Stephen B. Whatley

The Epiphany of Our Lord - the visit of the Three Kings to humbly honour the Holy Baby Jesus in Bethlehem - is celebrated in the Catholic church here in the UK.

It's official date is January 6th, twelve days after Christmas and by The Grace of God I managed to paint this tribute yesterday, on the day (2018).

Blessings of Peace, love, light, hope, strength and humility ~ and healing wherever needed. There are so many prayers interwoven in these brushstrokes as it is the only way I can paint. God bless!"

~ Stephen B. Whatley, Artist, London UK

The art of Stephen B. Whatley is published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

To view other works by the artist, please visit Mr. Whatley's website: ww.stephenbwhatley.com


Tuesday, August 01, 2017

Saint Ignatius of Loyola: New Catholic Tribute

St Ignatius of Loyola. 2017 by Stephen B. Whatley

St. Ignatius of Loyola by Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

News excerpt from the artists website:

A new tribute to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created on his Feast Day - July 31, 2017 - by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish priest born in Azpetia, Spain in 1471, passing on July 31, 1556 in Rome, Italy. He founded the Society of Jesus.

The British artist is a devout Catholic convert and often feels what he calls a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes to Jesus, Our Lady and The Saints on significant landmark years or Feast Days - and to share them.

Dependent on prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit - his 2013 exhibition at London's Westminster Cathedral was called "Paintings From Prayer".

The eclectic work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide and public collections including BBC Heritage, London Transport Museum, Newman University (UK), Westminster Cathedral, The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II & The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA - whilst his series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000 are permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass, outside Tower Hill Station - the main entrance to the Tower of London.

St. Ignatius Prayer for help with Depression:

O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.

St. Ignatius of Loyola - Painted in 2017 by Stephen B. Whatley
Pastel on paper, 23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com


Saturday, May 13, 2017

Our Lady of The Holy Rosary of Fátima

Our Lady of The Holy Rosary of Fátima. 2017 by Stephen B Whatley

Centennial Painting on the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fátima's Apparitions by artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

News from artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A new tribute painting celebrating Our Lady of Fátima; painted with prayers in the days just before the centennial of the first miraculous apparition of The Blessed Virgin Mary on May 13, 1917, in Fátima, Portugal to three children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

On May 13, 2017 Pope Francis will travel to the Sacred Shrine in Fátima and pronounce Jacinta and Francisco - who both passed away as children - Saints.

British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley is a devout Catholic and often feels what he calls a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes to Jesus, Our Lady and The Saints on significant landmark years or Feast Days - and to share them.

Dependent on prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit - his 2013 exhibition at London's Westminster Cathedral was called "Paintings From Prayer" - the inspiration for this tribute painting included descriptions of Our Lady as experienced by the children and the statue above the The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima - which Lucia Santos - who became Sister Lucia in 1928; and lived until the age of 97 in 2005 - pronounced the likeness to the vision of Our Lady that she and her cousins saw in 1917.

Our Lady's message was one of warning about subsequent world wars and the need for peace, through devotion to the Holy Trinity and praying The Rosary every day.

Blessings of peace, healing, light, love and hope to all who view this painting ~ in faith.

Nossa Senhora do Santo Rosário de Fátima:

Our Lady Of The Holy Rosary of Fátima  - Centenary Tribute - May 2017

Oil on canvas, 40 x 30in/102 x 76cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com



Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Heart of Divine Mercy

Heart of Divine Mercy. 2017 by Stephen B. Whatley

Heart of Divine Mercy by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

A new tribute drawing by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, created 2017 on Divine Mercy Sunday after the Divine Mercy commemoration and Mass at Saint James's RC Church, Spanish Place, London, UK.

Pastel on paper - 16.5 x 11.5in / 42 x 30cm

Stephen B Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II, London Underground and the BBC; and 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London permanently showcased throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist’s vibrant oil paintings are in private collections worldwide and public collections
including BBC Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection, Westminster Cathedral and The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA.

See more of Mr. Whatley's religious artwork: Christian Tributes

www.stephenbwhatley.com



Saturday, December 24, 2016

Our Lady of Las Vegas

Our Lady of Las Vegas. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

By Stephen B. Whatley

"Our Lady of Las Vegas," a new (Catholic) tribute drawing in pastel, created with prayers for hope and light for the USA and the world, on December 20, 2016.

I was touched by a children's book that I bought in America last month, entitled Mary and The 50 States; which includes reference to the Church of the Guardian Angels on the Strip in Las Vegas; where an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary shines out from a stained glass window...has anyone seen it?

I have tried researching.

I liked the idea of bright spiritual light amongst the city of neon lights and shallow deals; not forgetting that Las Vegas is also a beautiful sunny desert region.
May all who view this image of the Holy Mother and Child receive gifts of light, hope and healing, wherever needed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

About the artist: Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including the BBC, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London – where his work is permanently reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

www.stephenbwhatley.com


***

Commentary by Loci B. Lenar

Stephen B. Whatley is recognized internationally for his Catholic and Christian tributes. Mr. Whatley is a resident of England (UK). However, his paintings and prints are collected all over the world including the USA. I wish to thank Mr. Whatley for sharing his beautiful artwork on our blog and website, www.Christian-Miracles.com.



Saturday, September 10, 2016

The Miracle of Our Lady of Knock

The Miracle of Our Lady of Knock. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

A new Christian Tribute by international artist Stephen B. Whatley

Excerpt from the website of the artist: Our Lady of Knock - a tribute to the miraculous vision of The Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph, St John The Evangelist and The Lamb of God that appeared to villagers in Knock, Ireland on this day, 21 August, in 1879. The painting was created by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, with prayers, on 17 August, the date now assigned Feast Day by The Catholic Church.

Blessings of miraculous healing and strength wherever necessary - & prayers for world peace at this poignant time of the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, which killed 2,977 victims, and caused worldwide grief.

More about Our Lady of Knock:
http://www.marypages.com/Knock.htm

Oil on Canvas, 2016
20" x 30" / 61 x 76 cm
http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/

Friday, July 15, 2016

Our Lady of France

Our Lady of France. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
A painting of sympathy, peace and compassion by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

The Holy Mother and Infant Christ, a new tribute by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley who felt compelled to create on this day, in prayers of sympathy and for peace and compassion for the nation of France, in the aftermath of yesterday's tragic loss of life, through the insanity of terrorism during Bastille Day celebrations in Nice.

 Choosing to restrict his colours in this memorial tribute drawing in pastel, to France's national colours of blue, white and red, the artist also observed a photograph of the 1860s statue of Our Lady of France - Notre Dame de France - by Jean-Marie Bienaimé Bonnassieux (1810-1892), that stands on a hill in Le Puy-en-Velayin.

A visual prayer in solidarity with France and with hope for world peace. Vive La France! Peace.
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Mr. Whatley's Catholic tributes are displayed on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com

 

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Our Lady of Orlando

Our Lady of Orlando. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
Our Lady of Orlando by artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Excerpt from the website of international artist Stephen B. Whatley:

A tribute in pastel created with compassion and prayers by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, for all those murdered in Orlando, Florida in the early hours of June 12 and their loved ones - to represent the eternal and all encompassing love, mercy, compassion, hope  and peace that Christ and His Holy Mother have and offer for all communities in the world.

The artist often feels a 'Divine push' - even urgency - to make such works of prayer; and aside from this tragedy perpetrated by hate, ignorance and insanity, an inspiration in making this work was a postcard of a photograph of a statue of Mary, Queen of The Universe Shrine in Orlando, Florida, touchingly sent to him by his beloved young God-daughter Marianna.

This work of art was also created on the Feast day of St Anthony - Saint of A Thousand Miracles - which the world sorely needs.

Peace: Love will overcome hate - Light out of Darkness.

www.stephenbwhatley.com

Thursday, May 05, 2016

Jesus, Lord of Miracles

Jesus, Lord of Miracles. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

New Catholic Tribute by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists' website: A new 2016 tribute to the miracles of Jesus, possible through complete Trust in the Lord and faith, created by artist Stephen B. Whatley on 30 April. This was a profound date in the artist's life in 1998 when he experienced a miracle that saved the lives of himself and a friend when in potentially mortal danger. His prayer was simply "Please help us God".

Since 2000, Whatley - a convert to Catholicism - has felt what he describes as a "divine push" to create Christian tributes of faith, love and hope - through prayer. His exhibition "Paintings of Prayer" was on show in Westminster Cathedral, London in 2013.

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME, is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and BBC Heritage - while his series of 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway outside Tower Hill Station, leading to the Tower.

Today is The Ascension of Our Lord: May there be miracles of healing, reconciliation, peace and prosperity.

Charcoal and pastel on paper.
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

More beautiful artwork by Stephen B. Whatley can be seen on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.


Friday, March 25, 2016

Holy Sacrifice - Jesus Christ, Good Friday

Holy Sacrifice - Jesus Christ, Good Friday. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
New 2016 Painting by International artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artist: A new tribute to the Crucifixion of Christ created on this poignant day in the Christian calendar, Good Friday 2016.

Darkness before the Light of Easter. Peace.

Charcoal and pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm

www.stephenbwhatley.com




A New Tribute to Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley
A New Painting of Saint Patrick by International Artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

News from the artists website: A new painting of Saint Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, painted on St Patrick's Day in 2016 by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

The 5th century missionary introduced Christianity to Ireland and the artist was moved to learn that he often used the Shamrock to represent and explain the Holy Trinity: God The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

St. Patrick is also Patron Saint of Nigeria, Puerto Rico and several states in the USA including New York, Boston & Missouri.

"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger." ~ from The Breastplate, St Patrick's poem of faith & trust in God.

Oil on canvas, 30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com


Saturday, February 27, 2016

Saint Peregrine the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers

Saint Peregrine. 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley

Saint Peregrine - 2016 by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

From the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley: A new tribute painting of the Patron Saint of Cancer Sufferers, Saint Peregrine by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.

Saint Peregrine is also the Patron Saint of AIDS and other illnesses as well as Cancer - so may all those who meditate upon the image, created and infused with prayers, receive light, hope, protection and ultimate healing relief. Peace.

The artist - a Catholic convert since 2011 - often gets, through prayer, what he feels a 'Divine Push' to paint such Christian tributes and felt directed to paint Saint Peregrine, with prayers for healing, light and hope for those suffering cancer in his life - and worldwide.

He had a deep feeling the day of painting - 21 February - was a significant date; and later, after painting, realised it was the day in 1935 that Jesus had appeared to the Polish nun, Sister (since 2000, Saint) Faustina, requesting she seek an artist and have a painting made depicting His Divine Mercy.

Stephen B. Whatley has painted several Divine Mercy images over the years; some of which were exhibited in his 2013 exhibition 'Paintings From Prayer' at London's Westminster Cathedral. There is a permanent walkway of his series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London, outside Tower Hill Station, London. 

Peregrine Laziosi (Italy, c.1260-1345) experienced a miracle of healing in his own life, at 60, when a cancerous growth in his leg threatened amputation. The night before the amputation he spent praying before a fresco of The Crucifixion and later in a sleep state felt Jesus descend from The Cross to touch his leg. The next day the doctors found no trace of the cancer and he was pronounced cured; word spreading quickly of the power of Trust in the Lord. 

The National Shrine of Saint Peregrine is at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago, Illinois, USA. This new painting took, alongside prayers, inspiration from a classic prayer card, acquired in New York in 2015.

More Information: stperegrine.org 

Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com   

Prayers to Saint Peregrine 

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Peace of The Holy Family - Christmas 2015

Peace of The Holy Family by Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

From the website of international artist Stephen B. Whatley:  

A new tribute to the first Christmas, 2000 years ago, by British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, who often feels compelled by what he calls a 'Divine push' to create his Catholic tribute paintings and drawings, in prayer.

This work, in pastel, was partly inspired by a prayer card kindly sent to the artist from New York. 

The prayer reads: A Christmas Blessing

"May all the days of all the years that God has still in store be filled with every joy and grace to Bless you more and more; May hope of heart and peace of mind beside you ever stay, and that's the golden wish I have for you, this Christmas Day."

Peace, joy and gifts of healing this Christmas. 

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. 2015 by Stephen B. Whatley

New Catholic Tribute by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new painting by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, created in pastel on November 17, 2015, the Feast Day of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

From Magnificat, November 2015: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

As a young child Elizabeth, the daughter of Andrew, King of Hungary, was sent to the palace of Wartburg in Thuringia to be raised alongside her future husband, Ludwig. She was a prodigy of charity. From the age of fourteen, when she became queen, she served the poor with her own hands. It is said that on one occasion, Elizabeth hurried from the palace with her apron full of bread for the hungry, but was stopped by her angry husband. She opened the apron and a bunch of red roses tumbled out. After Ludwig's death in 1227, Elizabeth entered the Franciscan Third Order and gave herself wholly to nursing the sick. She died at the age of twenty-four.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is Patron Saint of many causes, including the homeless.

More about St Elizabeth:
www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=45
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_of_Hungary

Pastel on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Stephen B Whatley’s work has also been published in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO!, MAJESTY, Metro London, The New York Times, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The Times and USA TODAY; and is listed in David Buckman’s dictionary, Artists in Britain Since 1945.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

The Spirit of St James's Church: 125th Anniversary Tribute

The Spirit of St James's Church, Spanish Place: 125th Anniversary Tribute. 2015 by Stephen B Whatley
A new painting created in 2015 by international artist Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A new painting focusing on the Sanctuary and interior of St. James's RC Church, Spanish Place, London; which opened on September 29, 1890. Its rich history and association with Spain stretches back to the 16th century and is contained in the link from the Parish website: www.sjrcc.org.uk/page7/parishhistory.html

Expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - whose Catholic tribute paintings have been exhibited at London's Westminster Cathedral - created the oil painting inspired by a series of drawings made on location inside the beautiful church, a jewel in Marylebone in central London. The painting was completed over several days - including the actual anniversary.

Oil on canvas
36 x 48in/91 x 122cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

Several of Mr. Whatley's paintings are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com including a feature article about the artist from Catholic Life Magazine. The article is reprinted with permission on the following link: http://www.christian-miracles.com/artofstephenbwhatley.htm

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Our Lady of Hope by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Hope. 2015 by Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady of Hope | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Reprinted by permission of the artist.

A new 2015 tribute to the Holy Mother of God, Our Lady of Hope by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley - inspired by the recorded description as witnessed by those who saw her miraculous appearance in the French village of Pontmain in 1871.

She was said to be dressed in a blue dress amassed with golden stars, wearing a black veil and carrying a red cross; her message was " Hope Through Prayer and The Cross".

The artist has a great affection for the USA so was happy to learn that the Oblate Fathers introduced the devotion to the USA in 1952.

Peace blessings of peace, healing, joy - and Hope!

Pastel on Paper, 2015
24 x 17in/59 x 42cm
www.stephenbwhatley.com

For the Novena to Our Lady of Hope:
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/hope.htm


About the artist Stephen B. Whatley

Stephen B. Whatley is an expressionist painter, published in TIME magazine, whose major commissions include architectural paintings for public institutions including The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II, London Underground and the BBC; and 30 paintings commissioned by the Tower of London permanently showcased throughout Tower Hill Underpass at Tower Hill. He has been presented to HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.

The artist’s vibrant oil paintings are in private collections worldwide and public collections
including BBC Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, the London Transport Museum, the Royal Collection, Westminster Cathedral & The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA.

 Born in London in 1965 he studied at The Ipswich and Norwich Schools of Art and The University of London in solo & group exhibitions, including London’s National Theatre, the ICA, the Lloyd’s Building, Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair & Westminster Cathedral.

Stephen B Whatley’s work has also been published in The Guardian, Guardian Weekend magazine, HELLO!, MAJESTY, Metro London, The New York Times, The Sunday Express, The Daily Telegraph, The Times & USA TODAY; and is listed in David Buckman’s dictionary, Artists in Britain Since 1945.

Several of Mr. Whatley's Catholic Tributes are published on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.


Monday, August 10, 2015

Tribute to Saint Martha

Saint Martha: The Tuesday Novena. 2015 by Stephen B Whatley

Artist Stephen B. Whatley - Flickr Photo Sharing

From the website of Mr. Whatley:  A New Drawing and Tribute to Saint Martha

Catholic artist Stephen B. Whatley often feels what he calls a 'Divine Push' to honour Christ and His Holy Mother and the Saints. His drawing was created on the Feast Day of Saint Martha on July 29th.

This special Novena To Saint Martha should be recited for nine Tuesdays: It's said that this miraculous Saint grants anything before the Tuesdays are ended, no matter how difficult.

"St. Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith, I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when Our Saviour lodged in thy house.

I beseech thee to have definite pity in regard to the favour I ask (Mention favour). Intercede for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon which thou didst cast at thy feet.

One Our Father and three Hail Marys, and a Glory Be. Amen.

Light a candle every Tuesday and recite the above prayer, and make it known with the intentions of spreading devotion to St. Martha.

Charcoal on paper
24 x17in/59 x 42cm
 www.stephenbwhatley.com



Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Holy Peace: The Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Holy Peace: The Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary. 2015 by Stephen B Whatley


New painting by artist Stephen B Whatley | Flickr - Photo Sharing

Reprinted with permission from the website of artist Stephen B. Whatley:

Today, February 11 is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes - commemorating the miraculous visions to St. Bernadette in France in 1858, which have lead to numerous miraculous healings throughout the world.

This new painting commissioned by Catholic collectors in the USA was uniquely inspired by the recalling of a miraculous vision, evoking love and peace, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit experienced in the past year.

Expressionist painter Stephen B. Whatley often selects significant dates to create his work and chose to begin this new tribute painting on January 1, the World Day of Peace and The Solemnity of The Blessed Virgin Mary; with a dependence on prayer, particularly to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The collectors who commissioned the work of art were introduced to the artist's work through a 2014 feature about his art by Erin Brierley in the US magazine, Saint Anthony Messenger; and overwhelmed with the painting, wish the painting to be shared publicly.

Stephen B. Whatley's work is in collections worldwide and public collections including The Royal Collection, BBC Heritage, the London Transport Museum & Westminster Cathedral - in which his exhibition, 'Paintings From Prayer' including his painting of Our Lady of Lourdes was shown in 2013.

His commission of 30 paintings for the Tower of London is reproduced permanently throughout Tower Hill Underpass that leads from Tower Hill Station to the historic Tower.

Holy Peace: The Solemnity of The Holy Spirit. 2015
Oil on canvas
32 x 24in/81 x 61cm

Private collection, North Carolina, USA.

Website: www.stephenbwhatley.com

Visit the following link to read Stephen B. Whatley the Praying Artist, a feature article first  published in 2011 by Catholic Life magazine. The article is reprinted on the website of www.Christian-Miracles.com.

Saturday, December 06, 2014

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Artist Stephen B. Whatley

Our Lady Of The Miraculous Medal 2014 by Stephen B Whatley


Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The Most Recent Catholic Tribute Painting by Expressionist Artist Stephen B. Whatley

(Reprinted from the website of the artist.)

The origins of this devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal) date back to 1830, in the Chapel of The Sisters of Charity (now known as The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal) in Paris, France, where Sister ( now Saint ) Catherine Laboure received three miraculous visitations from Our Lady informing her that She was giving her a mission.

On November 27, 1830 Sister Catherine saw a vision of Our Lady standing on a globe that the Mother of God explained represented the whole world; especially France that was experiencing great poverty during the aftermath the many wars of the time. Her foot is placed on a serpent, below her representing Satan.

Streaming from rings on Mary's fingers were many rays of light that symbolised the graces she obtains for those who ask. Framing the vision was an inscription,

"O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you"

Mother Mary instructed Sister Catherine to have a medal - now known as the Miraculous Medal - created of this image. She then showed her what should be detailed on the reverse of the medal: 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arose a Cross, below which are two hearts, representing The Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mary told Sister Catherine that "…Those who wear the medal will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck"

Painting in prayer, the artist embroidered all the elements of the Blessed Virgin Mary's instructions into his painting - with a special intention that the painting should bring light, peace, hope and blessings of healing to those who view it.

'Miraculous Medals' cut to this divine design can be bought from cathedrals, churches & Catholic shops.

A Novena (9 day prayer) to the Miraculous Medal can be see read via this link to the official website of The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Paris , 140 rue du Bac, Paris, France:
www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/h5.asp

The work of Stephen B. Whatley has been published in TIME magazine and in numerous periodicals including the Catholic press. His work can be found in collections worldwide and in public collections including the BBC Heritage, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection, The Tower of London (where there is a permanent walkway of the artist's work at Tower Hill) and London's Westminster Cathedral which staged an exhibition of his Catholic tributes, "Paintings From Prayer" - which included a portrait of Pope Francis - in August 2013.

The Feast Day of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal is celebrated the same day as that of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception: December 8th.

Prayers for peace and miracles of strength & healing during Advent, Christmas, and in the New Year.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Oil on canvas,
38 x 24in

Visit the following link for more artwork by the artist: www.stephenbwhatley.com

Visit the following link to read the Catholic Life article:  Stephen B. Whatley The Praying Artist

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

Tribute to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton


By Stephen B. Whatley

By Stephen B. Whatley | Flickr.com

A new tribute drawing of the first native-born citizen of the USA to be made a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church: Elizabeth Ann Seton (New York, 1774 –1821).

She established the first Catholic school in the nation, at Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she founded the first American congregation of Religious Sisters, the Sisters of Charity; which would go on to open orphanages in Philadelphia & New York City.

Elizabeth Ann Seton suffered many trials in her life including the early loss of her mother; and her tenderness and love for All God's Creatures is symbolized in this work, one of several baby birds she was said to have saved in childhood.

Her sainthood was ensured by three miracles of healing she performed: two of cancer and one of encephalitis. She is the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools.

Elizabeth Ann Seton was beatified on March 17, 1963, by Pope John XXIII who said on the occasion, “In a house that was very small, but with ample space for charity, she sowed a seed in America which by Divine Grace grew into a large tree.”

When she was canonized on September 14, 1975 in a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, Pope Paul VI said, “Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.”
 
This drawing, inspired by prayer & various historical images, was created on the Feast Day of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: January 4, 2014.

Peace.
 
Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/59 x 41cm

Stephen B. Whatley Gallery