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"Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest." - Matthew 21:9
"I study with pleasure paintings of other artists who walked this path before me. The composition for "Hosanna" was inspired principally by the works of Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and to a lesser degree by other artists whose treatment of the human form I admire." - Tom duBois
"Each of my earlier paintings tells a story, but "Hosanna" Tells many stories. It is, by far, my most complex and detailed painting. Each story in "Hosanna" either complements or creates conflict with the main story, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In my mind, I saw a multitude of characters with Christ. The disciples with Him, but allowing others, who had only heard of Him, to get close. Women and children preparing His way with flowers and palms. Honoring Him. Some trying just to see Him, others trying to touch Him. Some undoubtedly hoping to see a miracle or to be cured by Him. Some cheering for singing or playing an instrument. And then there were those who suddenly found themselves in the midst of it all, like the Roman soldier. What were his feeling? What was he to make of all this? And what about the Pharisees and Sadducess? They came to see this man and were awed by Him and afraid of His power - His influence over the people. Did He fulfill the prophesy or was He just a pretender? While painting this Pharisees' group, I felt in constant conflict - that group of characters seemed to want, to need, to overpower the image of Christ.
I tried to include it all. Each character is a complete painting in itself; each group of characters is a painting. And all their stories come together as a cohesive unit with Christ as the focus, the very center as He is in our lives. I don't consciously think of including symbolism as I paint. Usually, I feel the need to add something or change something, only to "see" later that there was something more at work. The statue of Ceasar is one example. I was having a hard time with it. It was cold, distant, powerful. I heard Roman citizens called him Lord Ceasar, and I could see he was fighting to maintain his hold. I began trying to soften him, but I ended up leaving him as he was, but with flowering vines beginning to overtake him, and I realized that only the love of God could take away his strength.
I am a perfectionist, and I'm absorbed by the tiniest details. After talking to collectors of my work, I always feel that the details I include are just as important to them, too. I began this painting last fall, and it has consumed me for more than a year. There were many moments of frustration, and many moments of delight as I finally was able to bring the images in my mind and heart to the canvas." - Tom duBois
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