The Child Jesus

Jesus of St. Teresa - Terry Nelson, 2011
acrylic on canvas, 9x12

I found a photo of a little Hispanic boy whose facial expression seemed rather intense - reminding me of the Child Jesus. I decided to paint him holding his Sacred Heart. The Child Jesus is said to have appeared as an ordinary young boy to some saints, who at first did not recognize him. I concluded that he most likely appeared disguised as an ordinary boy dressed in the clothes of the period, until he revealed that he was indeed the Christ. Teresa of Avila and Lucia of Fatima had such experiences. When the Child Jesus appeared to Teresa he asked her, "Who are you?" She replied she was Teresa of Jesus, and asked the boy who he was, and he replied, "I am Jesus of Teresa." Hence the title of the painting.

Cat

Cat - Terry Nelson 2011
acrylic on canvas, 12" x 16"

In memory of a cat who died last year.

St. Sebastian - finished.

St. Sebastian - Terry Nelson 2011
acrylic on clayboard.

I finished the retouches to the panel, although it may not be noticeable to many. I detailed the entire composition. It is the best I can do.

A reader asked me why I paint Sebastian.

Years ago a very good priest whom I admire very much, told me in confession to choose a martyr patron to help me live chastely, explaining the martyrs are such powerful intercessors and protectors when it comes to freeing souls from bondage to sin. Since my youth I admired St. Sebastian since he seemed the perfect model for boys to emulate, a soldier with the appearance of an athlete, faithful to Christ amidst persecution and so on. I was intrigued that the saint endured two martyrdoms, as it were, almost killed by arrows, the saint survived to be bludgeoned to death.

If memory serves me, Sebastian was regarded as one of the Holy Helpers, as such his cult was popular throughout Europe. During the baroque period his image decorated just about every church. His cult spread throughout the New World and in modern times he continues to be venerated by many.