Psalm 23

John August Swanson's Newest Artwork: PSALM 23  (Work In Progress with 23 Colors Printed)     With the completion of MADONNA OF THE HARVEST, John August Swanson immediately set to work in creating new drawings, and refining early sketches first conceived of as embellishments for his 1994 serigraph, PEACEABLE KINGDOM.   (Original Pencil and Ink Drawing)   Incorporating elements of the mighty laying down with the meek, and the innocent and peaceful overcoming deceit and hypocrisy, Swanson has begun work on his newest luxuriantly composed, and intricately detailed serigraph, his passage into David’s PSALM 23.          The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:          he leadeth me beside the still waters.       He restoreth my soul:          he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.       Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,          I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.       Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:          thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.        Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:          and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.   (King James Version)      The finished work should be completed in the near future. However, as stated by the artist, the printing process is always difficult, as color choice and alignment are critical.   "One must face many challenges, and make decisions and compromises.  'Too dark? Too transparent? Is it the right shade?'   There are risks involved in this long process of building, with the layering of printed inks, and in creating depth and texture. The process is difficult, but through it I have found that the story has become a part of me."   (John August Swanson)

An original, hand-printed serigraph to be published by John August Swanson with the collaboration of Aurora Serigraphics Studio, Van Nuys, CA. Approx. Edition Size: 180 Currently in Production  Paper: 100% cotton rag, acid free Colors: TBD Price: TBD   (2-Color Proof with colors #9-Transparent Paynes Grey Asphaltum, and #11-Transparent Oxide Indian Yellow)   (2-Color Proof with colors #6-Translucent Green Gold, and #10-Transparent Shiva Blue Deep)   (1-Color Proof with color #15-Cadmium Yellow Light)   (8-Color State Proof  with color testing)

  Moving forward barefoot and without fear, the two figures travel through a valley transformed by their own beliefs; a world where lions and lambs can lay together in peaceful harmony. This story connects with our own lives, as we listen to those who encourage and empower others to speak out and stand against death, violence, and hate. 

 “... God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;”
 (1 Corinthians 1:27, King James Version)