Saturated
Some paintings are carefully planned.
Others unfold one revelation at a time.
Saturated began with a tangible encounter.
About a week after my husband Steve left for heaven, Jesus met me in a way I will never forget. His embrace felt as real as if someone had stepped into the room and wrapped His arms around me. As I leaned against His chest, I wasn't simply comforted—I was filled with an unshakable assurance that I was seen, known, held, and that He Himself would carry me through the darkest season of my life.
Months later, I knew I needed to paint that encounter.
I thought I understood the story I was about to tell.
I was wrong.
As each layer emerged, the painting began revealing far more than my experience. It began revealing His heart.
The light doesn't descend from heaven above. It radiates from the place where Jesus bends toward the woman, and she rests against His chest. Everything changes at the point of connection.
I wanted Jesus to appear differently than I had painted Him before—not distant or symbolic, but as the Bridegroom: strong, tender, and completely present. The woman isn't me. She represents every one of us. Every heart longing to know what it feels like to be seen, known, and safely held in His embrace.
The deep blues surrounding Him became something unexpected as well. Rather than darkness, they revealed strength and refuge. His shoulders quietly bear every burden. Nothing is too heavy for Him to carry.
Then a river began flowing from His side.
It reminded me of the river of living water that flows from His throne—the river that heals, restores, nourishes, and carries us in the currents of His love. The more I lingered, the more I realized that everything in the painting flows from Him.
Yet one mystery remained.
Near the bottom of the painting was a textured honeycomb I had created before I knew why. As I prayed, I became aware of His fragrance—His goodness filling every part of the composition.
Suddenly I remembered the years a beekeeper overwintered thousands of bees on our property so they could pollinate nearby almond orchards. Without pollination, the trees could never blossom or bear fruit.
The picture became unmistakable.
His presence doesn't simply surround us.
It transforms us.
Like fragrance absorbed into our lives, His goodness permeates every part of who we are until new life begins to bloom.
Only after the painting was finished did I understand its name.
Saturated.
What began as one unforgettable encounter became a revelation of who Jesus has always been.
The One who holds us.
The One from whom living water flows.
The One whose goodness fills every dry place until life begins again.
I hope that Saturated becomes more than a painting you admire.
I hope it becomes one of your own memorial markers...
a quiet reminder that you are
Seen.
Known.
Held.
Medium: Original Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 40" × 30"
Framing: Unframed
Availability: Original Available
Certificate of Authenticity: Included
Shipping: Professionally packaged, fully insured, complimentary U.S. shipping; Alaska and Hawaii may have an additional cost. International shipping available upon request.
Fine Art Prints: Available
Canvas Reproductions: Available
Journals: Available
