LATEST DRAWING OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
This is my latest drawing of Saint Michael the Archangel. As is evident to most, the image owes a great deal to the movie Troy, especially Brad Pitt's character, Achilles. Whenever I've pictured the Archangel in my mind I see him with the same long hair and fierce countenance, so I thought it would be cool to use an image from that movie to portray a more virile representation of the Prince of the Heavenly Hosts. This is my third drawing of Saint Michael, whom I feel gets a bad rep from the many works of art that portray him with a less than threatening effeminate character, tip-toeing on the devil's head. The goal in those images was to portray the beauty of a perfect being that has never denied God anything, and this I accept and understand. However, the goal of my drawings of the Archangel is to show the other dimension of his character, i.e. that of a dude who won't hesitate to split the devil's skull with the business end of a flaming sword. "Michael" means "Who is like God?" Which I imagine is what he asked Lucifer before sending him down to the hot place. Among other groups, Saint Michael is the patron saint of soldiers and police.
Included is a jpeg showing how the drawing developed as it progressed.
WELCOME!
I appreciate your time and your interest in my work. If you are interested in knowing more about me and my philosophy of art, please feel free to scroll to the bottom of this page. I would rather spare those who have no interest in such things from having to read about me before looking at my work. God bless you :)
The Vocation of the Artist
I firmly believe that art is meant to serve others, especially in lifting the hearts of people, through "ephiphanies of beauty," (John Paul II's letter to artists) to the contemplation and the glory of God. The artist participates in a unique way in the inspiration of the Creator of all things, and knows something of His joy in the act of creation, for "the act of creation is an act of love."(The Agony and the Ecstacy) This act is essentially bound up with the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus, in which what had been invisible was made visible in His person, His life and work, and finally in His death and resurrection. The artist is exhorted by the very perception of his gift to its service. Art is not merely, nor should it ever be, a vehicle for selfish ends or cheap shock and awe, but it must seek to give joy to the lives of others. The artist is then in the end merely a servant of truth, beauty, and goodness, and his work must serve to convey these to a wider audience. "Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 15-16)I believe that the artist finds in the lives of Jesus, and of His foster father Joseph, essential role models, especially in their hidden life at Nazareth. Though very little is handed down to us in the Gospels or in tradition illuminating this period in Jesus' life, I believe that this hidden, simple, carpenter's life of "working quietly" (2 Thessalonians 3:11) can be a model for all artists, in which delight is daily sought in the manifestation of beauty in wood, paint, charcoal, dance, the stage, and music. This is a life of humility, where the artist freely accepts that this world, including his own work, "will pass away," (Matt. 24:35) but what it points to never will. Obedience to inspiration, especially as it is inspired by God's Word (itself the revelatory self-expression of God) is the artist's highest calling. This new site is dedicated to this higher calling of the artist, to this challenge.
You will find included in this site examples of my own work, as well as links to other sites which
celebrate the arts, and especially challenge the artist to reach the fullness of his own abilities
in the service of something greater than him or his work. I hope that you will enjoy this site, and
take full advantage of its links, especially the Letter to Artists of our Holy Father (of beloved memory) John Paul II. Thank you for your comments and your consideration of this website.
David Myers
Another great drawing of the Archangel. Awesome job David! Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Justin Flynn
Phoenix AZ.
Thank you Justin! Hope all is well in Sunny Phoenix.
ReplyDeleteAwesome work, words can't describe. Are there any postcards of your drawings available?
ReplyDeleteLes contact me at davemyers1977@gmail.com and we can put something together. Thanks by the way! Glad you like the work!
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteAll is well out here in the desert. I will be going in for my St. Michael tattoo in a couple weeks. I'll be sure to send you some photos when its complete.
May I post this drawing on my blog, & link it to your site?
ReplyDeleteExcellent work, BTW! :)
Justin - look forward to seeing it -
ReplyDeleteRhapsody - email me at davemyers1977@gmail.com - I really appreciate the link but would prefer the drawing be viewable here only - If you wouldn't mind emailing me I will explain. Thank you so much for your understanding, and for asking permission -
Thanks, David...
ReplyDeleteCheck your inbox:)
this is brad pitt in the movie troy...just with wings
ReplyDeleteDid you read my description of the work?
ReplyDelete"tip-toeing on the devil's head"...so funny I laughed out loud at work.
ReplyDeleteYeah, St. Michael is definitely more powerful than that. In a cage match between the devil and St. Michael, I'd bet everything I had on St. Michael.
Great!!
I'm definitely diggin the drawing. Do you do any custom work?
ReplyDeleteI love this. I was searching for an image that could help depict the picture of St. Michael in my head. As a police officer, I am in complete agreement with you that he needed to be depicted as a tougher guy than you usually see. As a female, I wanted to find one that looked a little like Adrian Paul from highlander. I am glad to see that there is at least one artist out there that gets it.
ReplyDeleteIt looks just like him! Makes my heart go pitter-pat! :-D
ReplyDelete~Ariel~
Dear Mr. Myers, how I wish I had you talent as a drawing artist. I am looking for a drawing of our dear Lord Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, Michael The Archangel showing a different side of him, without leaving aside his tenacious determinated presence of someone who will stand against people with voluntary malichious thoughts and behavior. A drawing showing him dressed with a beautiful white T-shirt and a pair of very nice blue jeans (blue is the color of his ray). White is the color of Faith who is his counterpart. He could be seated in an angle on a nice wooden chair, his left forearm resting on his left lap and his right hand wrapped around his magnificent sword. Why can artists take him out of this armor once in a while and make him more accessible to people, especially those who would need him mostly. I have had a sense of connection since the age of 7 until today at 52. I would love this type of drawing or something less "orthodox" of this very friendly and kind archangel to place in my office at home. Can you point me to some link that may have less traditional drawing of him?
ReplyDeleteYou can send me the information @ lgrogan2008@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for your time,
Louise, Charlotte, North Carolina
I like the comments of the Anonymous person. A Highlander character style is a good idea too. I can no imagine this wonderful inspiring Archangel wearing this armor all day long and holding this posture, there is so much more to him to discover.
ReplyDeleteJust magnificent. Now this is truly an expression of the power of St. Michael the Archangel.
ReplyDeleteChristmas blessings. Frank Clark, Tampa, Florida.
Magnificent! You have captured the power and might of St. Michael the Archangel. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Blessings. Frank Clark, Tampa, FL