Saturday, August 20, 2005

Illustration Friday: Reflection

As I was driving to the store last night, I caught a glimpse of the full moon rising in the east. Even though it was just a glimpse, I could tell that it was huge. As I drove further and came to a clearing beside a small lake in town, I could see it in all its glory! I couldn't remember ever seeing the moon that big and bright and clear. It took my breath away! And when I also saw its beautiful reflection in the lake, I knew instantly that I had my Illustration Friday image.

As I was making a mental note of the imagery, I realized that there was another layer of meaning to "reflection" in this scene. The moon doesn't give off light of its own - it simply reflects the sun. The sparkles in the water, the highlights on the clouds, the brightness that throws shadows of its own, all originate with the sun. This truth keeps the moon quite modest, though he is tempted on nights like this to take all the credit.


"We can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him."
2 Corinthians 3:18 (The Living Bible)

36 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:51 AM

    i'll say! the visual is absolutely magnificent...in all its glory...i'm a lapsed catholic, but in natures treasures you can always find miracles:D
    cheers,
    kerry

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  2. there's something about the moon that makes one reflective... now i understand why..

    very nice!

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  3. Simply beautiful, Becky!

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  4. simply pure magic, and everybody should love magic!

    ;)

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  5. Anonymous7:57 AM

    Breathtaking! I recently wrote a devotion ont he moon reflecting the sun. Fabulous!

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  6. WOW, this is just so perfect, the balance, the colors, the feel. You absolutely hit the mark with this, everything is just right. Wonderful job.

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  7. Anonymous8:20 AM

    Love it! Very soothing to look at!
    Great job!

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  8. Perfect to illustrate a magic´s tale book. Great job !

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  9. Anonymous10:17 AM

    Excellent image. You're an inspiration.

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  10. I love this..so beautiful...can't wait to go back and look aroung your site for more cool works. =^..^=

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  11. Anonymous11:32 AM

    This is the most beautiful, capturing of the meaning of reflection. You are surely using the gifts that God has given you. I see the creativity and the progressing as time goes on. You are a special person.
    Spectacular!

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  12. beautiful!! your work is so great!

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  13. That is soo beautiful. I just sat and stared at it for the longest time and it felt like I was actually in the picture standing there near the water looking at the moon.

    I am enjoying your work and stories so much.

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  14. Absolutely gorgeous! :)

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  15. Anonymous9:55 PM

    Wowsy! That's a beautiful image, Becky! Well done, girl!

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  16. Anonymous10:00 PM

    Beautiful picture! I love the coloring and the layout, it's all so perfect! I'm jealous of your ability to take mental pictures like that too. lol

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  17. so lovely! the reflection and the stars sparkling on the water is fantastic.

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  18. WOAH! This is My Favorite Illo for this week!! Magnificent! wow.. wow.. still in awe by its beauty...

    (now im ashamed of my crappy illo... that what happens if i rush things)

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  19. Gorgeous, Becky!

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  20. Anonymous9:40 AM

    Love the shades of blue - and that moon is truly captivating.
    Looks like this moon isn't the only one reflecting the SON - you're using the gifts and talents He has given you.
    Shine on, Beck.

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  21. I like the composition and details you gave to the foreground and background. I personally feel that nights and darkness are hard to illustrate. But you did a wonderful job. Do share with us how you did it.

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  22. Many thanks all of you for your comments - they really mean a lot to me! I did this painting digitally using Corel Painter 9 with a Wacom tablet. I used the Painter acrylic tools for the bulk of it, with some use of the blender tools in the sky, clouds and water.
    Thanks again! SDG

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  23. Wonderful low key illustration.. It looks more like the Heath than Colorado to me... but that's the joy of "art" isn't it.

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  24. dear Becky, this is just wonderful, I really liked the deep colors and mysterious effect.

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  25. Anonymous7:19 AM

    This looks beautiful. I love the quiet mood.

    wynlen
    wynleDesign

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  26. This is amazing - I love it - and I agree, the moon at full setting is an extremeley powerful image!

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  27. Oh my gosh..this is spectacular. You've GOT to use this as a promo piece..get it out there to the ADs ASAP

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  28. Thanks for providing your details on this piece. I am still learning about Corel & Illustrator. Very unearthly!

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  29. Reflections upon reflections upon... They say the moon looks bigger on the horizon because when it's high in the sky, we don't have a point of reference. A beautiful pic & story though

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  30. I love this and the scripture that you used with it! ^_^ I also wanted to say thank you for last comment on my bible drawing. I'm flattered about you asking me if I am selling prints! I am in the thinking process of selling my art. If you are still interested when they're all ready then let me know ^_^ I'll post something to let everyone know.

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  31. I love this.
    I am amazed at what you and everyone can do.
    Thank you for all the inspiration

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  32. The moon - the perfect reflective image! This is beautifully done and captures the (illusory) largeness of the Hunter's Moon when it's low on the horizon. The shapes are essentially simple, using entirely black silhouettes and yet it has great depth. Well done!

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  33. Anonymous10:16 AM

    My dear sweet friend, you truly are this illustration to those who know and love you. I was moved to tears when I saw this. God is truly reflected in you and through you. I am so honored to be your bunny friend and to be able to witness first hand the beauty that God has created and put on display through you. You are this moon, dear friend, just beginning to rise above the dark horizon and shine your unique and breathtaking reflection of God to the world. I love you! HUGS!
    Your bunny friend

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  34. yes to echo, great colour scheme! nice illo :)

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  35. It is magical and beautiful! When the moon is full, sometimes I have a hard time looking away from it. Transfixed.

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I am deeply appreciative of the time you've taken to leave a comment - thank you!