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Painted in a single sitting from life, in London, this portrait is of the artist's dear friend, who celebrates his birthday on this day, October 12th. It was painted at the beginning of expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley's career; 3 years after he had completed a degree in Fine Art (Painting) at Norwich School of Art, UK.
The artist was inspired early on by many of the great expressionists & post impressionists of history including Vincent Van Gogh (1853- 1890), Pablo Picasso (1881- 1973), Emile Nolde (1880- 1938), Ernst Kirchner (1867- 1956); and especially David Bomberg (1890 -1957) - whose former student, artist Dennis Creffield (1931- ) inspired him greatly by sharing advice given to him by Bomberg about 'working with spirit', during visits to Norwich.
Today, there is a permanent public show of Stephen B Whatley's art - his series of 30 paintings , commissioned by the Tower of London, reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass, just outside Tower Hill Station & leading to the Tower. The artist's work is in private collections worldwide & in public collections including the BBC, London Transport Museum, Westminster Cathedral & The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Michael Reading. February 1989
Oil on aboard,
12 x 9in/30.5 x 22cm
Expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley battles with the gusts of ocean breeze to paint the sea encircled by Rhossili Bay, Swansea in South Wales.
To see other photographs of the Stephen on location painting this view - and the view in full;together with the completed oil painting, please click the links.
Earlier in the day: www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/6217806937/in/photo...
On location, just after completing the seascape:
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/6240428223/in/photo...
"Rhossili Bay, Swansea "
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/6223569068/in/photo...
Rhossili Bay, Swansea by Stephen B Whatley. 2011
Oil on canvas, 30 x 40in/76 x 102cm
Private collection, Swansea, S.Wales.
A new tribute painting of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers, by British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
Jean-Baptiste de La Salle ( April 30 1651-April 7 1719) was a French priest and founder of The Institute of The Brothers of The Christian Schools; devoted to teaching the poor in France with a dependence on the Holy Spirit.
2019 marks the 300th anniversary of his passing and this oil painting was commissioned by San Miguel High School, Arizona, USA; where the original work of art will hang, as a focus of prayer, for current and future generations of students and staff alike.
Other Catholic education establishments which own the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA, The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada and Newman University, Birmingham (UK).
The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II and Westminster Cathedral - which staged his 2013 exhibition, Paintings From Prayer.
The artist's series of 30 paintings, commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000, is a permanent exhibit outside Tower Hill Station, London ; reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass (outside Tower Hill Station) - the main portal entrance to Her Majesty's Tower of London.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle : 300th Anniversary Tribute. 2019 by Stephen B. Whatley
Oil on canvas, 35.5 x 23.5in/90.2 x 59.7cm
Collection of San Miguel High School, Arizona, USA
A new tribute to Saint Jude, Patron Saint of Desperate Causes painted by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
The painting was painted predominantly on the Feast Day of Saint Jude, October 28 and completed in the next two days.
The British London-based artist gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, alongside his other work - a large body of which is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 paintings commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, 25 years ago, vibrantly chart the history of The Tower.
As a permanent art exhibit reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station they form a bright and vibrant entrance to the Tower of London.
The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum, and The Royal Collection of HM King Charles III.
Catholic institutions that have either acquired or commissioned the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA, The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada, Newman University, Birmingham (UK), St Anthony Padua Catholic College, Sydney, Australia and the Duchesne Academy of The Sacred Heart in Texas, USA.
In 2004, the artist was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work.
Saint Jude. 2025
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
Architect: Santiago Calatrava
Location: Financial District, Manhattan, NYC
Style: Expressionist architecture
Year: 2016
Just published: 'Jesus, The Good Shepherd' by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley is the cover of a new book entitled The Good Shepherd.
Lithuanian Catholic author Saulius Arbocius reached out to the artist to ask permission ….his powerful and unique short story is inspired by his faith - and is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life and lost - and need of reassurance.
Whatley was humbly touched that the author revealed that his work actually helped inspire certain details of telling his story - and read the short story immediately, finding it most inspiring.
The book is available from Amazon....it is especially touching to read the open hearted revelations the author gives that inspired his story.
Jesus, The Good Shepherd. 2019
Pastel on paper / 23.4 x 16.5in; 59 x 42cm
A new tribute to Saint Michael The Archangel, by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley; created with prayers during the last two days of June 2024. He dedicates this tribute to the USA, which needs protection at this dangerous time of political unrest.
Saint Michael is seen as the Warrior Angel, fighting off Satan in heaven and protecting God's chosen people on earth from evil and enemies. St Michael occupies a special place in the church, appointed its protector; and his Intercession is encouraged to defeat the evil in the world - and for the protection from danger for anyone in their every day life.
Stephen B. Whatley is a Catholic convert, a calling he felt through his spiritual search to survive early tragedy in his life; and his exhibition, "Paintings From Prayer" was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral in 2013.
The British London-based artist gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, alongside his other work; indeed this is the artist's third tribute to Saint Michael.
A large body of Whatley's work is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 paintings commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces, 20 years ago, vibrantly chart the history of The Tower.
As a permanent art exhibit reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station they form a bright and colourful entrance to the Tower of London.
To see more of the artist's eclectic work and read more of his journey by visiting his website, link below.
San Miguel - Saint Michael The Archangel. 2024
Oil on canvas
40 x 30in/102 x 76cm
The latest work in a series of paintings and drawings inspired by drawings of a favourite view of 6th Avenue, New York City, made on location from the edge of Central Park, Central Park South in 2010 by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley .
Amongst the amalgamation of classic and contemporary architecture can be seen Radio City Music Hall & the triangular tip of Bank of America .
The artist has an abiding affection and fascination with the USA & his press includes the New York Times & TIME magazine; which published his portrait tribute of Barack Obama in 2008.
Many Americans, who make up the majority of Whatley's collectors, discover his work from the permanent art exhibit of the series of 30 paintings he was commissioned to paint for Her Majesty's Tower of London in 2000; reproduced just outside Tower Hill Station as a vibrant walkway of art to the Tower.
In 2004 the artist was honoured to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh at a reception at the Tower of London; in recognition of his work.
See more of Whatley's tributes to New York City in his NYC Art Album here on Flickr and on his website.
Charcoal on paper
16.5 x 11.5in/ 42 x 30cm
A new Catholic tribute painting by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, painted on the Feast Day of Saint Luke, October 18, 2018.
Saint Luke - also know as Luke The Evangelist, through his gospel writings - is Patron Saint of Artists and also Physicians.
In history, Saint Luke has often been depicted painting The Holy Mother & Child - and whilst the artist looked at paintings through the ages, his main inspiration - along with the prayers which generate his paintings - was a humble statue of the Saint sent to the artist from loved ones in the USA in 2011.
Stephen B. Whatley is a Catholic convert, a calling he felt through his spiritual search to survive early tragedy in his life; and his exhibition, "Paintings From Prayer" was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral in 2013.
Stephen gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, amongst his other work - a large body of which is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 commissioned paintings charting the history of The Tower are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station.
To see more of the artist's eclectic work and read more of his journey, visit: www.stephenbwhatley.com
Saint Luke, Patron Saint of Artists. 2018
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
Egon Schiele (1890–1918) was an Austrian Expressionist painter who, despite his short life, had a major influence on Modernist figurative painting in the 20th century.
A 'detail' from expressionist painter Stephen B Whatley's iconic tribute painting of Hanna-Barbera's cartoon star of the 1960s, Fred Flintstone - which is to be auctioned for the Joss Searchlight Charity in London in March.
Dianne Parks, who tragically lost her son Joss to a brain tumour in January 2011, set up the
Joss Searchlight Charity to provide practical co-ordinated support for families of children suffering from brain tumours. They offer a helpline, advice on NHS Resources, Benefits and Liase with specialists on behalf of families. Very importantly the charity also tries to make childrens' ’Wishes Come True’.
In 2012, Dianne wrote to Stephen asking him to join more than a hundred other contemporary artists in donating a painting of his choice to be exhibited and auctioned at her 'Something Special' exhibition, focusing on childhood memories, to be held on March 14th, 2013 at 6.30pm at Blackall studios, Leonard Street, London EC2A 4QS. The artist was most inspired by this good cause; cherishing his childhood memories - and lamenting the tragedy in his childhood; the loss of his beautiful mother - about which he writes in the catalogue of this exhibition.
Auction bids always begin lower than an artist's usual asking price, so this a great opportunity to make a bid for a joyful work of art that will hopefully raise much more for this worthy cancer charity. The work of Stephen B Whatley is in collections worldwide and in public collections including the BBC & the Royal Collection of Queen Elizabeth II, so this work of art comes with quite a history.
"Yabba Dabba Doo" to a high bid for 'Fred' - & for Joss Searchlight - on March14th; which should prove to be a star-studded evening!
To view a little video about the Joss Searchlight Charity & this Special Art Event , please click on the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IB7ZkqcW8co&feature=youtu.be
For further details about the exhibition and charity please click the link below; while the bottom link takes you to see the complete painting of "Fred".
www.jossparkessearchlight.org.uk
"Fred" 2008 by Stephen B Whatley - see the whole painting!
A new tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary, by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley; inspired by a prayer to Our Lady of Mental Peace (below) from the prayer book The Illustrated Book of Mary ( 2010, William J Hirten Co., RI, USA).
Peace.
O Lady of Mental Peace,
Mother of Tranquility
and Mother of Hope,
look upon me in this time
of my weakness and unrest.
Teach my searching heart
to know that God's Love
for me is unchanging and
unchangeable, and, that
true human love can only
begin and grow by touching
His Love.
Let your gentle Peace -
which this world cannot give
- be always with me.
And, help me to bring this
same Peace into the lives
of others.
Our Lady of Mental Peace,
- Pray for me!
Pastel on paper. March 3, 2013.
23.4 x 16.5in
2017 was the 90th anniversary of the birth of 1950s American film actress Barbara Payton (1927-1967)- and was also the 50th anniversary of her passing; surely one of the most tragic and desperate ends of anyone in Hollywood history.
This portrait tribute was created on the penultimate day of 2017 by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
The artist was inspired by both her blonde beauty and films; and poignantly by learning that despite the terrible decline into alcoholism and drug addiction that her personal life took in the mid-1950s, she tried to cling to remnants of her Catholic faith through a tiny statue of Saint Jude that she carried with her.
Barbara Payton was on screen in films from 1949 until 1955 , when she starred movingly in the crime thriller, Murder is My Beat; which was a catalyst for this charcoal drawing. The story of her subsequent decline - a life that spiralled out of control - is not for the faint -hearted.
Barbara Payton (1927-1967) 2017
Charcoal on paper, 16.5 x 11.5in/42 x 30cm
British star of stage & screen Prunella Scales, in a portrait by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley; painted at the actress's London home in 1998.
The artist found the actress to have retained her wide-eyed beauty, a soulfulness ; and the painting includes interpretations of the many books piled & stacked in the room.
Prunella Scales (1932 -) is a prolific actress of stage , film and television ; brilliantly adept at both roles of hight comedy farce and classic drama. She trained at the Old Vic Theatre School in London & the Herbert Berghof Studio in New York.
Onscreen since 1952 she has starred in numerous television productions and films, notable highlights being the 1975 BBC comedy series, 'Fawlty Towers' , in which she starred with John Cleese; and her portrayal of two monarchs : as Queen Elizabeth II in the 1992 TV adaption of Alan Bennett's play, 'A Question of Attribution'; & as Queen Victoria in 'Looking For Victoria' (2003).
Ms Scales is also a dedicated political activist and supporter of charities. She supports the Labour Party appearing on the party's campaign films in 2005 & 2010; & is an ambassador of SOS Children's Villages, an international orphan charity providing homes and mothers for orphaned and abandoned children.
In 1992 Prunella Scales was awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for services to drama, by HM the Queen. She is married to the actor Timothy West CBE and one of their three children, Samuel West is also a respected actor & director.
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
Kateri Tekakwitha (USA1656-1680) was canonised in Rome on October 21st, 2012 as the first American Indian Saint - and on that special day expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley painted this new tribute; inspired by an array of historic images - including the earliest painting of 1690.
Nancy Wiechec of the Catholic News Service in Washington DC kindly introduced Stephen to St Kateri's story, in August 2012, through an eloquent feature she had written - and the artist was immediately inspired , enchanted and moved; especially through his great affection for the USA and its people.
Painting iconic tributes to his Catholic faith often on special anniversaries has become a powerful feature of Stephen's work; and he was determined to honour this most humble of Saints - who was rejected by her tribe, through her devotion to her Catholic faith and fled from her native Fonda, NY home to Montreal, Canada.
Miracles of healing through the intercession of St Kateri have been experienced as recently as 2006 ( please see the CBS News link below) which finally convinced the Vatican to recognise her as a Saint; despite the fact that American Indians have been appealing for this recognition since the 1800s.
A memorial Shrine to Kateri was established in 1938 in Fonda NY; 200 acres of beautiful woodlands on the north bank of the Mohawk River.
In 1980, Kateri was beatified as the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha; the first stage toward Sainthood; which has finally come about - bringing joy peace and hope to Americans, Canadians and Catholics worldwide.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is known as the patron Saint of American Indians, ecology & the environment.
Peace.
News of the Canonisation of Kateri Tekakwitha, via BBC News:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19996957
St Kateri's most recent reported miracle explored, via CBS News:
www.cbsnews.com/8301-501714_162-57536561/boys-miracle-cur...
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. October 21, 2012 by Stephen B Whatley
Oil on canvas, 27 x 19.5in/68.6 x 50cm
A new Catholic tribute painting of Marcellin Champagnat (1789-1840), French Founder of the Marist Brothers, by British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
Marcellin Champagnat was made a Saint in 1999 and the portrait tribute was created with prayers on his Feast Day , June 6th, 2018.
The artist is a Catholic convert and his exhibition, Paintings From Prayer was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral in 2013. Stephen gets what he feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, amongst his other work - and was inspired to paint this tribute, looking at various historical images of Marcellin Champagnat ; after the Marist Brothers in Canada reached out earlier this year and commissioned him to paint a tribute to The Good Mother, a devotion to Our Lady, originated by Marcellin Champagnat.
The Marist Brothers are known as the Little Brothers of Mary, a community of teaching brothers dedicated to making Jesus known and loved through the education of young people; and are located in 79 countries worldwide.
They were founded in 1817 by Marcellin Champagnat in France, driven by his compassionate concern at finding a dying teenager with no knowledge of God.
Alongside his directly Catholic tributes, the work of Stephen B. Whatley is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 commissioned paintings charting the history of The Tower are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station.
Saint Marcellin Champagnat. 2018
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/ 76 x 61cm
To see The Good Mother- Marist Devotion. 2018 here on Flickr, please click this link: www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/27935723768/in/date...
A new portrait of Prince Charles by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley; painted in September 2017, as the prince made history becoming the longest serving Prince of Wales, since Edward VII. The painting was inspired by a series of selected recent photographs of the eldest son of HM Queen Elizabeth II ; and the Heir to the Throne.
Whatley's portraits seek to reach a deeper and spiritual essence of his subjects. His portraits of Princes William & Harry, commissioned by American collectors, were published in HELLO magazine in 2008 and 2011; and his portrait tribute of Barack Obama was published in TIME magazine's Person of The Year issue of 2008.
The artist's many portrait sitters in the past 26 years include actors of stage and screen such as Frances Barber, Elizabeth Dawn MBE, Dame Judi Dench, Susan Hampshire OBE, Dame Siân Phillips CBE, Alison Steadman OBE, Dame Julie Walters, Barbara Young, Carol Royle, Maria McErlane, Virginia McKenna OBE, Lana Morris, Nyree Dawn Porter OBE, Finty Williams & Dame Barbara Windsor; TV presenter Sarah Greene; comedienne & writer Jo Brand; actor,comedian & singer Brian Conley; Veuve Cliquot Businesswoman of the Year, Patsy Bloom; entrepreneur, Ivan Massow; fashion designer, Matthew Williamson; and barrister, Michael Mansfield QC.
The Royal theme has played a major part in two high profile commissions of Stephen B. Whatley's work. In 1999 The Royal Collection commissioned to paint two views of Buckingham Palace - an exterior and interior, both painted on location at the Palace - which were reproduced on London Underground posters in 1999 and 2000.
Then in 2000 he was commissioned to paint a series of 30 paintings for the Tower of London - all of which are permanently reproduced outside Tower Hill Station, throughout Tower Hill Underpass, as a permanent vibrant art exhibit welcoming visitors to the Tower of London.
In 2004 Stephen B. Whatley was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a reception at the Tower of London, in recognition of his work.
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
George Baselitz is a German painter. He studied in East Germany, before moving to what was then West Germany. Baselitz's style is interpreted by the Northern American critics as Neo-Expressionist, but from a European perspective, it is more seen as postmodern.
"Look towards the Holy Spirit...my latest painting of prayer, a tribute to Saint John The Baptist, started on his Feast Day and completed on the Feasts of Saints Peter & Paul.
Peace, courage light and strength through The Prophet, The Lamb of God and the Holy Spirit." ~ Stephen B. Whatley, July 15, 2021
Today is the Feast of Saint Bonaventure .
Saint John The Baptist. 2021
Oil on canvas, 40 x 30in/102 x 76cm
Private collection, London, UK
A new tribute to Divine Mercy by British expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
The Catholic convert created the pastel on the Feast Day of Saint Faustina. October 5, 2022.
Catholic education establishments which own the artist's paintings include The Carrollton School of The Sacred Heart, Miami, USA; The Institute of Marist Brothers, Canada, Newman University, Birmingham (UK) , St Anthony of Padua Catholic College , Austral, Australia and Westminster Cathedral, London - which staged Whatley's Paintings From Prayers exhibition in 2013.
The work of Stephen B. Whatley is in collections worldwide & other public collections which own his work include the BBC, London Transport Museum and The Royal Collection of HM King Charles III.
The artist's series of 30 paintings, commissioned by the Tower of London in 2000, is a permanent exhibit outside Tower Hill Station, London ; reproduced throughout Tower Hill Underpass (outside Tower Hill Station) - the main portal entrance to Her Majesty's Tower of London.
Stephen B. Whatley was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his work in 2004.
Further details about ordering prints and original works of art can be found by contacting the artist via his website: www.stephenbwhatley.com
In this 'drawing from prayer' - created on Good Friday 2011 - expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley wanted to recognise the inevitable cries of despair and grief of Mary Mother of God at the foot of the Cross upon which her son, Jesus was crucified, over 2000 years ago. Divinely chosen to carry the Son of God she would have no doubt been as deeply bereft as any devoted mother losing her child in such a brutal way.
Naming the commemoration of Christ's death 'Good' Friday seems somewhat incongruous and ironic to most , even the most devout Christians who share a love of Christ - and its origins are not clear. Only Western Catholics call this day Good Friday. Eastern Orthodox Catholics name it Great or Holy Friday.
Christians believe the day is "good" because the message of Easter is of Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil; as the Apostle Paul wrote: "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us."
Certainly it is day for reflection, for mourning. Those who love will one day grieve: the price we pay for love is grief.
Friday may be of darkness but Sunday - Easter - will bring the light of the Resurrection of Christ.
Peace.
Charcoal on paper
23.4 x 16.5in/ 59 x 42cm
This is the view looking up Skólavörðustígur from its intersection with Laugavegur toward Hallgrímskirkja, the Lutheran parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland. Besides being the largest church in Iceland, with its steeple rising 244 feet high (74.5 meters), it is among the tallest structures in Iceland. Built in 1986 and designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the church is an example of Expressionist architecture.
Skólavörðustígur is known for it outdoor photo gallery that is constantly changing and for its touristy shops.
Though some 6 km outside the city centre, this expressionist church was the architectural highlight of my visit to Copenhagen, wonderfully capturing the geometry of traditional Gothic styles within a modern minimalist elegance.
Designed by Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint (1853-1930) in 1913, construction began in 1921, after the First World War, with consecration of the tower as a standalone church in 1927, though work on the body of the church, plus a surrounding estate of matching houses ('På Bjerget': 'On the Hill') continued until 1940, under the supervision of Jensen-Klint's son Kaare Klint for the final decade. As the name suggests, the church was built to commemorate pastor and philosopher N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872); the foundation stone was laid on the 138th anniversary of his birth, and the completed building opened on the 157th.
The external resemblance to Iceland's largest church, Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík (considered to have been inspired by this one), is what initially caught my attention, but the interior was even more compelling: a wonderfully simple interpretation of Gothic church architecture, with pillars rising to pointed arches and groin vaults high above the ground, all lit, on a sunny Spring morning, solely by daylight. Direct sunlight entering at the east end was warmly reflected off the six million traditional Danish yellow bricks, in beautiful contrast to the bluer ambient light through the side windows.
The refreshing lack of any surface ornamentation also made it particularly difficult to judge scale: it wasn't immediately obvious that this light, airy space is vast: the church is 76 m long and 35 m wide (comparible to Vor Frue Kirke, the National Cathedral of Denmark, covering 83×33 m in central Copenhagen) and extremely tall: the 10m-wide nave is 22 m tall.
As one might expect in Denmark, the chairs are of a named design, 'Pew', by Kaare Klint; the initial layout used 1,863 of them but 750-1,300 is now more typical.
Saint Philip Neri - a new tribute in pastel by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley; created yesterday on his Feast Day, May 26th, 2020.
"The only way I get through this life is beginning with morning prayers and I discovered this 16th century Italian priest, now Saint ; and was so inspired to learn that amongst his patronages are US Special Forces....and Laughter, Humour & Joy - which was particularly inspiring !
Those closest to me know I love to laugh and have quite a wacky sense of humour at times; which saves me !
It is said that Philip Neri had a mystical enlargement of his heart which he described "as being ignited with God's own spirit". He worked on helping people and inspiring faith with 'joyful energy'.
In one prayer he talks about the importance of perseverance in prayer, even when it might feel useless; or at a point of giving up.
So towards the end of an exhausting day of various duties I felt what I humbly call a Divine Push. I knew I felt so little energy, so amongst my prayers was God give me your strength, guide me, help me; and the energy grew.
Blessings of light, peace, joy...& laughter which we all need at this time, wherever possible."
~ Stephen B. Whatley, London, UK, May 27, 2020.
"Saint Philip Neri". 2020 (Pastel on paper)
Die Kunststätte Bossard ist ein Museum und expressionistisches Gesamtkunstwerk. Auf einem etwa drei Hektar großen Heidegrundstück zwischen Jesteburg und Lüllau im Norden der Lüneburger Heide erbauten Johann Michael Bossard (1874–1950) und seine Frau Jutta Bossard-Krull (1903–1996) verschiedene Gebäude und eine Gartenanlage. Sie versuchten, die Künste Architektur, Bildhauerei, Malerei, Kunstgewerbe und Gartenkunst zu einem Ganzen verschmelzen zu lassen. Entstanden ist das Ensemble von 1911 bis 1950. Der Betreiber des 1997 eröffneten Museums ist die Stiftung Kunststätte Johann und Jutta Bossard. Das Grundstück, die Gebäude und Kunstwerke sowie die Archivalien aus dem Nachlass brachte Jutta Bossard-Krull in die 1995 gegründete Stiftung ein.
Hinter dem Gedanken zum Gesamtkunstwerk stand verstärkt die Idee der Lebensreform, die sehr viele heterogene Strömungen wie zum Beispiel Freikörperkultur, Naturheilkunde und Tierschutz ausweist. (Wikipedia)
Kunststätte Bossard is an expressionist Gesamtkunstwerk, sometimes also referred to as a visionary environment, located in the town of Jesteburg in Lower Saxony, Germany. It was created by Swiss artist Johann Michael Bossard [de] (1874–1950) and his wife, Jutta Kroll-Bossard (1903–1996). It combines architecture, sculpture, painting and garden design.
Bossard's work was heavily influenced by Norse mythology. It is deemed unique by art historians, on a par with the expressionist art of Böttcherstrasse at Bremen or the Chilehaus at Hamburg. (Wikipedia)
The most recent Catholic tribute painting by expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley.
The origins of this devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary date back to 1830, in the Chapel of The Sisters of Charity (now known as The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal) in Paris, France, where Sister ( now Saint ) Catherine Laboure received three miraculous visitations from Our Lady informing her that She was giving her a mission.
On November 27, 1830 Sister Catherine saw a vision of Our Lady standing on a globe that the Mother of God explained represented the whole world; especially France that was experiencing great poverty during the aftermath the many wars of the time. Her foot is placed on a serpent, below her representing Satan.
Streaming from rings on Mary's fingers were many rays of light that symbolised the graces she obtains for those who ask. Framing the vision was an inscription,
"O Mary conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you"
Mother Mary instructed Sister Catherine to have a medal - now known as the Miraculous Medal - created of this image. She then showed her what should be detailed on the reverse of the medal: 12 stars encircling a large "M" from which arose a Cross, below which are two hearts, representing The Sacred Heart of Jesus and The Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Blessed Virgin Mary told Sister Catherine that "…Those who wear the medal will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck"
Painting in prayer, the artist embroidered all the elements of the Blessed Virgin Mary's instructions into his painting - with a special intention that the painting should bring light, peace, hope and blessings of healing to those who view it.
'Miraculous Medals' cut to this divine design can be bought from cathedrals, churches & Catholic shops.
A Novena (9 day prayer) to the Miraculous Medal can be see read via this link to the official website of The Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Paris , 140 rue du Bac, Paris, France:
www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/h5.asp
The work of Stephen B Whatley, which has been published in TIME magazine & widely in the Catholic press is in collections worldwide & in public collections including the BBC Heritage, London Transport Museum, The Royal Collection, The Tower of London (where there is a permanent walkway of the artist's work at Tower Hill) & London's Westminster Cathedral which staged an exhibition of his Catholic tributes, Paintings From Prayer - which included a portrait of Pope Francis - in August 2013.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal is celebrated the same day as that of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception: December 8th.
Prayers for peace & miracles of strength & healing during Advent Christmas & in the New Year.
Oil on canvas,
39.5 x 27.5in/100 x 70cm
A new Catholic tribute painting by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos (1819-1867) was born in Fussen, Germany - and 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of his birth - which the artist felt driven to celebrate with this painting.
Having a great affection for the USA, Whatley felt inspired to paint the tribute to this German whose ministry was in America - especially inspired by the miracles that have been attributed to his intercession since his passing - including curing of liver cancer and paralysis.
"I pray all who view this new painting will feel healing" ~
Stephen B. Whatley
More about the life of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, from Catholic.org:
"...Expressing his desire for the priesthood since an early age, he entered the diocesan seminary of Augsburg after completing his studies in philosophy. Upon learning of the charism and missionary activity of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he decided to join and go to North America. He arrived in the United States on April 20, 1843, entered the Redemptorist novitiate and completed his theological studies, being ordained a priest on December 22, 1844.
He began his pastoral ministry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained nine years, working closely as assistant pastor of his confrere St. John Neumann, while at the same time serving as Master of Novices and dedicating himself to mission preaching.
In 1854, he returned to Baltimore, later being transferred to Cumberland and then Annapolis, where he served in parochial ministry and in the formation of the Redemptorist seminarians.
He was considered an expert confessor, a watchful and prudent spiritual director and a pastor always joyfully available and attentive to the needs of the poor and the abandoned. In 1860, he was a candidate for the office of Bishop of Pittsburgh.
Having been excused from this responsibility by Pope Pius IX, from 1863 until 1866 he became a full-time itinerant missionary preacher. He preached in English and German in the states of Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
He was named pastor of the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he died of the yellow fever epidemic caring for the sick and the poor of New Orleans on October 4, 1867, at the age of 48 years and nine months.
The enduring renown for his holiness which the Servant of God enjoyed occasioned his Cause for Canonization to be introduced in 1900 with the initiation of the Processo Informativo . On January 27, Your Holiness declared him Venerable, decreeing the heroism of his virtues."
Oil on canvas,
28 x 24in/90 x 59cm
Expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley on location in London in June 1999 painting Changing The Guard at Buckingham Palace - commissioned by The Royal Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
This was one of two paintings of Buckingham Palace commissioned from the artist, jointly by the Royal Collection & London Underground Ltd, to be reproduced on London Underground posters advertising the Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace in 1999 and 2000.
The painting was created throughout one day, capturing the daily tradition of Changing of The Guard earlier in the day, in the courtyard - and the original hangs today in Buckingham Palace.
There is a permanent walkway of the series of 30 paintings by Stephen B. Whatley, commissioned by the Tower of London, just outside Tower Hill Station.
To see the complete painting of Buckingham Palace close up click here: www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/4244552207/in/album...
"Look ... there's Cesare ... never ask him to tell your fortune or you're a dead one."
('Cesare' and 'Jane' by Aztech Toys / "Silent Screamers")
Diorama by RK
"Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari"
German Expressionist silent film (Germany; 1920)
Directed by Robert Wiene
Starring: Werner Krauß (Caligari), Conrad Veidt (Cesare), Friedrich Feher (Franzis) and Lil Dagover (Jane)
Today April 21, 2018 is the 92nd birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Pictured here is expressionist artist Stephen B Whatley with his new portrait tribute of The Queen's grandson, Prince Harry and his fiancé, American former actress, Meghan Markle - painted to celebrate the Anglo-American love story.
The painting is given a full page in a 3-page feature on the artist's work published in MAJESTY Magazine (May 2018) available worlwide.
The colourful feature reveals the inspiration behind this painting, portraits of Prince William and the princes' father The Prince of Wales and other Royal works.
See a preview of the feature on the Press page of the artist's website here: www.stephenbwhatley.com/press
To order the magazine from the publishers :
jensen-klint's main work, the grundtvig memorial church northwest of copenhagen, is often named as an example of expressionist architecture.
we should always be suspicious of categories in art and the partial blindness they induce, but few categories carry more misunderstandings and nonsense than expressionism.
with jensen-klint, I believe the term should be avoided altogether. we are looking at a neo-gothic church. the great change in scale between the church and the surrounding housing has been compared with the expressionist idea of a stadtkrone but a similar contrast can be found in the contemporary work of heinrich tessenow.
the highly expressive and original tripart tower is the architect's attempt to design a tower that would connect organically with the nave and two aisles of the basic basilica plan. the problem of how to assemble tower and nave is as old as the christian building type itself and jensen-klint's solution was born on his 60th birthday in 1913 as the result of a deep personal and creative crisis.
unable to secure commissions, he decided to develop his ideas to their full extent on paper instead. in a sense, he was giving up his career but the move proved liberating to his talent. he entered his next church design, done entirely without a brief or a client, into the 1913 competition for a grundtvig memorial and lost. to a statue.
a week later, in an exceptional turn of events, the jury admitted to have made a mistake and announced that jensen-klint's church was to be built.
the project attracted a lot of international attention when first published and again in the 1920's when the tower was completed. I have read that it inspired many church designs across europe and north america but I have never seen a list.
hallgrímskirkja (1937-1986) in reykjavik is obvious, though, and named elsewhere in connection with klint:
www.flickr.com/photos/solveigzophoniasdottir/306156116/in...
iceland was a Danish colony until 1948 (the whole north atlantic colonial adventure is a dark chapter in our history and one that isn't over yet) so the influence here is more easily explained.
I am less sure about this one, Akureyrarkirkja (1940), also on iceland: www.flickr.com/photos/solveigzophoniasdottir/291511984/
but the art deco crowd seems to have had an eye for klint - as seen here in turner's cross which has been named in connection with the grundtvig church. it is by barry byrne (1931) and found in cork, ireland: www.flickr.com/photos/robandlucy/763443719/
I have read that there are also bastard children of the grundtvig church in poland and the US. haven't found them yet. in denmark there are plenty. most significantly, jensen-klint's son kaare klint who completed his father's projects continued building churches in the style which since became a school:
www.flickr.com/photos/14716771@N05/2108788850/in/pool-dan...
the jensen-klint set so far.
A new tribute painting by expressionist artist Stephen B. Whatley, painted on The Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 28th, this year.
Stephen B. Whatley is a Catholic convert, a calling he felt through his spiritual search to survive early tragedy in his life; and his exhibition, "Paintings From Prayer" was staged at London's Westminster Cathedral in 2013.
Stephen gets what he humbly feels a 'Divine Push' to paint tributes of faith, alongside his other work - a large body of which is on public display every day in the City of London, just outside the Tower of London - where his series of 30 commissioned paintings charting the history of The Tower are permanently reproduced throughout the walkway leading from Tower Hill Station.
To see more of the artist's eclectic work and read more of his journey, visit: www.stephenbwhatley.com
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 2019
Oil on canvas
30 x 24in/76 x 61cm
French Impressionist painter Claude Oscal Monet painted ten Weeping Willow paintings by 1919 in mournful response to the mass tragedy of World War I. These Weeping Willow paintings are characterized by shadowy colors and writhing forms, as if Monet intended to express the grieving mood not simply with the subject, but also through an expressionist style of painting. The particular tree portrayed in the paintings had pride of place on the bank of Monet’s water garden, with its exotic water lilies in Giverny, France.