Last month we talked about going to South Africa. We did. The occasion was the Lausanne Congress, a major gathering from many nations that happens about every 15 years. Mine was a very small part of a very large event, but it’s the part we’re covering here.
The best way to see these photos is to click for an enlargement. The week-long event was in the Cape Town Convention Center, with some 4200 participants and another thousand staff. Participants were leaders or workers in Christian organizations. I was the only painter.
Though we’d sent materials ahead, including canvas with already painted background, it all got hung up in customs. The day before it started we bought a Cape Town art store out of all their canvas and started again. The sling is from rotator cuff surgery mid-summer. I wore it as precaution some of the time.
Per plan, on the opening afternoon Anne and I scouted for any who might be wearing traditional dress, for the sake of possible paintings. Happily (or lamentably for some) we got more photos than we needed, like this lovely woman from India, or the Pakistani in the background, far right.
By that evening, here’s what the screen on my laptop looked like, 12 standing figures, ready to be enlarged, one at a time, as reference for a marathon of painting.
Ours was an area outside the main meeting hall where we displayed artwork we’d brought along, where we talked to people, I painted, and provided a bit of interest for pocket-camera photographers.
My goal was to produce 12 paintings in six days. They were three-quarter life size, on canvas (taped to board), in fast-drying acrylic. It wasn’t really as frenzied as it seems. I had plenty of time to stop and talk, or help Anne (though mainly she helped me).
The only way paint that much that fast is to get over perfectionism. I didn’t do any of these subjects the justice they deserved, but they were generally close enough.
In some cases, the participant wore the same outfit again at the end. The paintings were given to the persons featured (removed from the boards and rolled up) as a gift to be displayed in their organizational offices–for many to enjoy. This one went back to Nepal.
And this one went to Mongolia. But not the hat. In appreciation, this Mongolian pastor and leader made me a gift of his hat. Of course it looked better on him.
We were pretty much cleaning up by the time this picture was taken. My “studio” area had been cleared out, and Anne was in the process of putting things away. The dozen witnesses looked on.
Here they all are just before the recipients started coming around to receive them. Each, of course, was grateful, and it was a nice way to finish our time. But it wasn’t over yet . . .
In the auditorium at the final evening, the spirit was lively and the room full of song . . . with full orchestra and full choir, and all our 5000 voices. The words spoken were a crescendo of the week. Then came gracefully draped dancers up the aisle in slow procession, leading up to a communion service being offered at stations around the giant room. Then, up on the center screen . . .
one of my paintings, hugely oversize, illuminated in back-lit glory, looking better than it ever did on canvas. I’d known they were going to do something, but I didn’t know what.
I don’t know what the subjects of the paintings were thinking, but it seemed more than fitting to see these beautiful faces from around the world, watching over our unifying service of bread and cup.
It was the Archbishop of Uganda presiding, with the assistance of a few others, and the painting of Grace Matthews of India, one of the convention planners, looking over.
Then another portrait would come up, this a church leader from Myanmar, another of the many places represented where it is not easy at all to take a stand for faith.
Then a third, this time again our friend from Mongolia . . . here wearing my hat.
Then there were six. All this went on for about 20 minutes, with the total atmosphere filled with music and movement and meaning.
In end all 12 pieces were there, looking back as us, spirits high, arms raised, God praised. It was a climax to an already lofty week.
And back home, as a memory, is my treasured Mongolian hat, a little golden crown, or is that a steeple? Whatever, it’ll be a nice memory of a great experience, where Anne and I were glad to to be a part.
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Ongoing and Upcoming Events
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Show at the House
Annual Thanksgiving Show and Sale, featuring new works and vintage
FOR THE INVITATION, GO HERE: House Show 11’10-web
Or just note the following:
November 20-21
Saturday, 4:00-9:00
Sunday, 1:00-5:00
33752 Big Sur, Dana Point, California (949)240-4642
Lecture: How to Start a Painting
November 19, 2010, 6:00-7:30
San Clemente Art Supply
Call 949-369-6603 for reservation
Art Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
November 26-28
A great place for an outing. We’ll be setting up in a booth along with many other artists and craftspeople
Loosen Up Workshop
A very positive stimulus for mid-level painters
FOR DETAILS GO HERE: Loosen Up web
December 11-12 in San Clemente, California
Call: 949.369.6603
10:01 am
Totally awesome, Hyatt! What a great experience– thanks for sharing it! Your “blog” and photos took me right to the conference in Lausanne!
10:10 am
Glorious! Thank you Lord for the gift of art and for you amazing people that can reveal a taste of His glory through your gifted hands! The Lauzanne pictures are SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing this precious experience!
10:19 am
Hyatt, what an adventure. Live event painting is a thrill and I love that you got so much work done for this conference. Hooray for you! They were beautiful. Thanks for putting this post together for us. Peace, Rich
10:26 am
I am in awe! Another “12” at His table. Beautiful faces reflecting our Lord. Thank you for sharing this wonderful event.
10:26 am
Hyatt,
Thank you for sharing your gift of art. This work is very moving. It is what our Lord had in mind.
10:52 am
This is one of your best “productions.” Very meaningful event.
10:54 am
You are praising God with your art.
11:08 am
anne and hyatt, I enjoyed this so very much. Very moving! I hope to see you both at a show or workshop very soon. Anne, I am still making and enjoying your tortilla soup! I think of you each and every time!
love,
sabra
11:11 am
I loved seeing and reading this! Even though I wasn’t there, I got chills just seeing it emerge here on a mere website. Thanks for sharing such a spectacular event. Well done Hyatt! To God be the glory and praise!
11:16 am
I thrilled almost as much as if I were there. Knowing you, your spritely spirit, and valuing your gift is source of pleasure.
11:32 am
What an amazing experience for you and Anne, Hyatt. I was moved to tear at your description of the communion service. How exciting it was to see how they used your paintings to capture the world of people from all the various people groups. It was like a prevue glimpse of Glory. Thanks for sharing. (And belated birthday greetings and love to Anne)
11:35 am
Even more majestic than I had imagined from Anne’s story. What a blessing!
11:48 am
Awesome, Hyatt. May the LORD continue to give you great favor for HIS glory. !! Blessings
11:56 am
Outstanding, outstanding, outstanding! A meaningful use of the gift God has given you.
12:14 pm
Hyatt, Thanks for sharing! What an awesome and meaningful way to use your gifts to glorify God!
12:21 pm
I was in Uganda at the same time, Hyatt… so close and yet so far! It’s absolutely fitting that your work was featured and honored in this way, brother. Makes me smile.
2:33 pm
Thank you so much for using your gift in a glories way for God,I am sure you sowed a lot of His word.
Your pictures are so great,bless you and Anne In your next adventure.Marianne
2:37 pm
Just a fantastic job in capturing the international representation of the congress. Your subjects must have been overjoyed to receive their portraits. And what a great honor to have your work featured during the closing service.
It looks as though you guys are as busy as ever, but we look forward to when we can see you again.
Love,
Tom & Madge
5:30 pm
Hyatt and Anne,
Enjoyed your paintings done in Africa. The Lord is blessing you and your wife. Keep it up.
Becky Jones
6:47 pm
I love the hat!
You and Anne are so amazing!
10:54 pm
Hyatt,
I’m looking forward to your sharing the art and events of your African experience with HBAL when you demonstrate for us in May. It is moving, elating and inspirational. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Jane Ice
7:18 am
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience. I’m an atheist, and I was moved.
9:02 am
Breathtaking…it made me feel like I was right there experiencing God’s handiwork. How wonderful for you and Anne to be a part of this event. Love the hat! I hope you wear it soon.
9:14 am
You and yours are remarkable
1:19 pm
Thanks for keeping my picture in your gallary. Your paintings are really fantastic!!! You and your wife did wonderful job at congress.
My pictures are good b,coz it is in artist camera.
may God bless you.
Thanks
5:15 am
Thanks for this worshipful experience. Takashi Fukuda shared your blog with those of us working in WBTI Asia Pacific. So good to hear how God is using your talent. Greetings from Nate & Dawn
8:54 am
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experiences.
They are amazing and also thanks for let us enjoy your heavenly gift!
Gina & Brad
10:39 am
Thank you for sharing this experience. You have been so annointed to do such great works through painting. I was deeply touched.
11:02 am
Hyatt ~ Thank you for sharing these amazing paintings with us…I pray that 1000’s of people around the world will be introduced to your gift and that you will continue to be prolific and prosperous. Thank you, God for giving us Hyatt and Anne so that we see your people as the true works of art that you created them to be! Blessings!
12:10 am
How totally amazing is our God to have created the multi-farous faces that you captured in your paintings!!! I love that Anne was right there chronicling all these on camera. I could feel myself being transported at the Lausanne Conference knowing that the REAL BANQUET OF THE LAMB WILL REPRESENT “EVERY TONGUE, NATION AND TRIBE SINGING ‘WORTHY IS THE LAMB…’ Blessings on You and Anne. Steve and Euline Olinger (Former MITs for WBT at SIL-Dallas; we hope you still remember us, Hyatt and Anne.
1:20 am
To think you were in Africa and able to praise God together with the gifts God has given you. Thank you for sharing with us. What a true Blessing. Continue to follow how the Lord leads you.
6:59 am
Wow! What will the rejoicing be in heaven when we all meet, from all nations, standing around the throne. These pictures are like a “preview” for me. Thanks.
12:53 pm
Hyatt,
This is absolutely amazing. I am so honored that Corryn is being mentored/taught by you. What a gift God has given you! Thank you using it! You bring Glory to Him!
Kathrine
9:57 pm
Hyatt! What an achievement!! As much as I admired you as a painter, I am now deeply impressed by your logistic talents. Just the idea of planning every detail for such a distant trip and beeing able to accomplish such a great task is really awesome.Today I led a workshop on oil sketching and had to dart back home to fetch some important item I did`t include on my first packing. I liked your psychological approach to your 12 personalities;particularly to the Myanmar leader and of course your Mongolian friend. You truly deserve the Gengis Kan Crown. Hope some day you^ll write your memo ries. Tu amigo Luis Mario. P.S I´m sure Anne´s contribution was indispensable.
9:51 am
Hyatt,
Your joyous spirit comes through in these paintings! What a treat to see them and I agree with other comments regarding logistics too! Wow!
Thank you for sharing your gifts. What an amazing and wonderful adventure for you, and now, for the rest of us.
All the best,
Mary