“For He Shall Grow Up Before Him As A Tender Plant, And As A Root Out Of A Dry Ground: He Hath No Form Nor Comeliness; And When Art

A visceral, raw, and highly texturally detailed conceptual artwork. In the center, three crude wooden crosses are silhouetted against a dark, stormy, indigo sky. The central figure, Christ, is "numbered" among two criminals, but his face is bathed in a faint, unseen celestial glow that the others lack. A massive, heavy, shadowy cloak, made of thousands of tiny, interwoven dark figures and faces (representing "the sin of many"), is visibly draped over his shoulders, weighing him down. Below the crosses, the stormy sky is breaking, revealing a sliver of intense golden dawn, hinting at the "portion with the great" yet to come. Symbolic, poignant, high contrast.“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12, KJV)
A visceral, raw, and highly texturally detailed conceptual artwork. In the center, three crude wooden crosses are silhouetted against a dark, stormy, indigo sky. The central figure, Christ, is "numbered" among two criminals, but his face is bathed in a faint, unseen celestial glow that the others lack. A massive, heavy, shadowy cloak, made of thousands of tiny, interwoven dark figures and faces (representing "the sin of many"), is visibly draped over his shoulders, weighing him down. Below the crosses, the stormy sky is breaking, revealing a sliver of intense golden dawn, hinting at the "portion with the great" yet to come. Symbolic, poignant, high contrast.“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12, KJV)
Oil Painting Art Style, a detailed male Northern Bobwhite Quail, its distinctive head markings and feather patterns clearly rendered with rich brushwork, peeking from behind a cluster of vivid, textured fall leaves on the ground. The quail's eyes are sharp and alert. Behind it, an old, weathered, rustic red barn is depicted with strong brushstrokes, showing its aged timber and flaking paint, under a slightly overcast, softly lit autumn sky. The setting is a quintessential Eastern farm in the mountains of Tennessee, with the surrounding hills hinted at in deep, autumnal tones. Focus on the tactile quality of the painted textures, the depth and richness of the autumn colors, and the enduring charm of the rural scene.
I will trust in him and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, *
and he will be my Savior.

Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing *
from the springs of salvation.
He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith; and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him. (Sirach 13:1)
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. 

“The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow.  They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty.  We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (The Gaze)

    A hyper-realistic, high-resolution photograph capturing the apex of the 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral.

    Focus: The composition is tight, showing both horses running neck-and-neck, dominating the frame. The camera angle is side-on and slightly low, emphasizing their size and muscle. The critical focus is on the space between the horses' heads as they are running stride for stride.

    Details: War Admiral (the dark bay) should show determination and slight surprise, with his head stretched out. Seabiscuit (the smaller bay) should display his characteristic "game" look—intense, focused, and seemingly looking directly into War Admiral's eyes (or toward his rival). Both jockeys (Red Pollard or George Woolf for Seabiscuit; Charles Kurtsinger for War Admiral) are visible, leaning low and urging their mounts on.

    Atmosphere: The light should be bright but slightly diffused, suggesting an autumn afternoon at Pimlico. Dust and track debris are kicked up behind them, blurred slightly by the horses' tremendous speed. The image must convey the raw power, intense rivalry, and the exact moment when the smaller horse asserts his dominance.

    Style: Cinematic photography, realistic texture, sharp focus on the horses' eyes and muscle definition.
Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (The Gaze)

    A hyper-realistic, high-resolution photograph capturing the apex of the 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral.

    Focus: The composition is tight, showing both horses running neck-and-neck, dominating the frame. The camera angle is side-on and slightly low, emphasizing their size and muscle. The critical focus is on the space between the horses' heads as they are running stride for stride.

    Details: War Admiral (the dark bay) should show determination and slight surprise, with his head stretched out. Seabiscuit (the smaller bay) should display his characteristic "game" look—intense, focused, and seemingly looking directly into War Admiral's eyes (or toward his rival). Both jockeys (Red Pollard or George Woolf for Seabiscuit; Charles Kurtsinger for War Admiral) are visible, leaning low and urging their mounts on.

    Atmosphere: The light should be bright but slightly diffused, suggesting an autumn afternoon at Pimlico. Dust and track debris are kicked up behind them, blurred slightly by the horses' tremendous speed. The image must convey the raw power, intense rivalry, and the exact moment when the smaller horse asserts his dominance.

    Style: Cinematic photography, realistic texture, sharp focus on the horses' eyes and muscle definition.
Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (The Gaze)

    A hyper-realistic, high-resolution photograph capturing the apex of the 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral.

    Focus: The composition is tight, showing both horses running neck-and-neck, dominating the frame. The camera angle is side-on and slightly low, emphasizing their size and muscle. The critical focus is on the space between the horses' heads as they are running stride for stride.

    Details: War Admiral (the dark bay) should show determination and slight surprise, with his head stretched out. Seabiscuit (the smaller bay) should display his characteristic "game" look—intense, focused, and seemingly looking directly into War Admiral's eyes (or toward his rival). Both jockeys (Red Pollard or George Woolf for Seabiscuit; Charles Kurtsinger for War Admiral) are visible, leaning low and urging their mounts on.

    Atmosphere: The light should be bright but slightly diffused, suggesting an autumn afternoon at Pimlico. Dust and track debris are kicked up behind them, blurred slightly by the horses' tremendous speed. The image must convey the raw power, intense rivalry, and the exact moment when the smaller horse asserts his dominance.

    Style: Cinematic photography, realistic texture, sharp focus on the horses' eyes and muscle definition.
Southeast Asia.  Modern day.  Nearer to the city now, the bus thumps and bumps to a slower pace.
Grinding gears mark spaces between dirty children, playing obliviously in the road.
Neither village nor metropolis, outskirts have no identity:
Just a blurry line of encroachment;
a temporary half-life on the way to something more.

Dust springs up from the tires of trucks headed both ways on the road.
A little girl stands crying in a mud puddle; her brothers laughing from the sides.
She has to learn rejection to participate in this brutal, belonging dance.
A little life, and a little death
for a product truly worthy of its name: a good woman is hard to find.
A serene and rustic autumn landscape based on the provided image, featuring an aged farm implement (a seeder or planter) in the foreground. The old machinery retains its weathered green and rust colors but is now positioned amidst a carpet of vibrant fallen autumn leaves in shades of gold, orange, and russet.

The large, leafy trees in the middle ground, which were green in the original image, are now transformed into glorious specimens of fall foliage, displaying brilliant yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds. The distant field shows hints of freshly turned earth or dry, golden stubble. In the background, the small house with the blue roof remains, nestled amongst a dense forest that is also ablaze with autumn colors.

The sky is a clear, bright autumn blue, with warm, golden sunlight characteristic of a pleasant fall day, casting gentle shadows and highlighting the rich textures of the old equipment, the tree bark, and the colorful leaves. The overall mood is one of peaceful rural charm, autumnal beauty, and the quiet dignity of farm life as the seasons change.
A captivating and serene portrait of a young Roseate Spoonbill juvenile standing gracefully in its natural wetland habitat. The bird's plumage is a delicate and soft pale rosy-pink or peach color, much lighter and more muted than the vibrant pink of its adult counterparts, with touches of white or very light cream feathers, particularly on its head and neck. Its characteristic long, spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill is prominent, though it might be a slightly duller gray or greenish-gray than an adult's.

The juvenile spoonbill stands in shallow, calm water, possibly surrounded by lush green marsh grasses, reeds, or mangrove roots. The background is a soft-focus wetland scene, hinting at a warm, sunny day with serene water and distant vegetation, perhaps with a clear blue sky or a gentle sunset glow. The lighting is soft and natural, emphasizing the subtle, beautiful peach and rosy tones of its feathers and the unique texture of its plumage. The overall mood is one of quiet elegance, youthful beauty, and peaceful observation in nature." impressionistic watercolor painting, soft washes of color, delicate brushstrokes, ethereal atmosphere, focus on color blend and texture"
An Asian Slice
At the dark end of an alley on a moonless night,
A youth squats low to the ground, turned toward the wall with his face in his lap.  Someone might think he’s sleeping.  He’s smoking heroin.  Soon he’ll fall over and soil himself, and stay right there until dawn.

Back at the neon-lit mouth of this dark alley, 
hookers walk back and forth, hurrying to get past the alley, either for fear or because is smells so bad.  Eyelids, all painted golden, Asian whores always look like they’re made of candy.  Candy it is; but a snarling cat awaits its prey.
Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral (The Gaze)

    A hyper-realistic, high-resolution photograph capturing the apex of the 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral.

    Focus: The composition is tight, showing both horses running neck-and-neck, dominating the frame. The camera angle is side-on and slightly low, emphasizing their size and muscle. The critical focus is on the space between the horses' heads as they are running stride for stride.

    Details: War Admiral (the dark bay) should show determination and slight surprise, with his head stretched out. Seabiscuit (the smaller bay) should display his characteristic "game" look—intense, focused, and seemingly looking directly into War Admiral's eyes (or toward his rival). Both jockeys (Red Pollard or George Woolf for Seabiscuit; Charles Kurtsinger for War Admiral) are visible, leaning low and urging their mounts on.

    Atmosphere: The light should be bright but slightly diffused, suggesting an autumn afternoon at Pimlico. Dust and track debris are kicked up behind them, blurred slightly by the horses' tremendous speed. The image must convey the raw power, intense rivalry, and the exact moment when the smaller horse asserts his dominance.

    Style: Cinematic photography, realistic texture, sharp focus on the horses' eyes and muscle definition.
A young boy, no older than 12, is intensely focused on climbing a steep, rocky hillside in the San Juan National Forest, specifically along the Piedra River. He is scrambling upwards on his hands and knees towards a cougar watching him approach from behind a bush. He is carrying a fishing rod held securely in one hand. The hill is covered in dry dirt and scattered small rocks with ponderosa pines and aspen trees in the landscape.  Far below, at the bottom of the hillside, a clear, meandering mountain stream (the Piedra River) sparkles under twilight. The atmosphere is quiet, tense, capturing the stark beauty of the remote Colorado wilderness.
A young boy, no older than 12, is intensely focused on climbing a steep, rocky hillside in the San Juan National Forest, specifically along the Piedra River. He is scrambling upwards on his hands and knees towards a cougar watching him approach from behind a bush above the boy. He is carrying a fishing rod held securely in one hand. The hill is covered in dry dirt and scattered small rocks with ponderosa pines and aspen trees in the landscape.  Far below, at the bottom of the hillside, a clear, meandering mountain stream (the Piedra River) sparkles under twilight. The atmosphere is quiet, tense, capturing the stark beauty of the remote Colorado wilderness.
A young boy, no older than 12, is intensely focused on climbing a steep, rocky hillside in the San Juan National Forest, specifically along the Piedra River. He is scrambling upwards on his hands and knees. He is carrying a fishing rod held securely in one hand. The hill is covered in dry dirt and scattered small rocks with ponderosa pines and aspen trees in the landscape. Just ahead and slightly above him is a dense scrub oak). Behind this bush, the head of a cougar is visible, watching the boy. Far below, at the bottom of the hillside, a clear, meandering mountain stream (the Piedra River) sparkles under twilight. The atmosphere is quiet, tense, capturing the stark beauty of the remote Colorado wilderness.
A young boy, no older than 12, is intensely focused on climbing a steep, rocky hillside in the San Juan National Forest, specifically along the Piedra River. He is scrambling upwards on his hands and knees. He is carrying a fishing rod held securely in one hand. The hill is covered in dry dirt and scattered small rocks with ponderosa pines and aspen trees in the landscape. Just ahead and slightly above him is a dense scrub oak). Behind this bush, the head of a cougar is visible, watching the boy climbing towards him unaware. Far below, at the bottom of the hillside, a clear, meandering mountain stream (the Piedra River) sparkles under twilight. The atmosphere is quiet, tense, capturing the stark beauty of the remote Colorado wilderness.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3, KJV)
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3, KJV)
“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” (1 Timothy 1:3, KJV)
bicyle resting against a wall
Do not use words to create the idea:

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” (Psalms 17:8, KJV)

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalms 17:15, KJV)
A giant grouper fish, over a coral reef in the ocean, professional photography, extreme detail (
Psalms 124:1-6 KJVA  A Song of degrees of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;  (2)  If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:  (3)  Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:  (4)  Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:  (5)  Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.  (6)  Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
still life arrangement of fruits and flowers
urban street with city activity
animal standing in natural pose
“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:13, KJV)
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6, KJV)
serene landscape with mountains and water
Now, those captains must learn what the river will do
when it makes that great turn out of sight.
How it dashes them up on the rocks of the shore
How it spins to the left and the right.
It beats them and breaks them and crushes their pride
Leaves them dizzy and sick and all jumbled inside
‘til they’ve all but forgotten that glorious ride
lying flat on their deck in the sun.
There they lie, drying out in the sun.

As you round the point where the river was bent
and survey the great wideness ahead,
you can see all those captains alone on their decks,
beat and broken and very near dead.
Then the current takes hold and there’s naught you can do
as it drags you down into its maw.
Headed straight for those rocks, you make ready to crash
but at last, you rise up, roll and yaw.

Going back and away, then forward again,
fearing each time, the rocks will prevail!
You’re trapped in a cycling, circling tide,
in an eddy withstanding a gale.
But each time you circle that great whirling tide
and you’ve not hit the rocks or been thrown to the side
and you’re kept from the falls, cascading and wide,
for the eddy’s small mercy give praise.
Give the merciful currents your praise!
“And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” (2 Chronicles 2:3-6, KJV)
portrait of a person with expressive eyes
First century Jerusalem at the "gate beautiful" to the temple grounds.  Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
A highly realistic and historically accurate image set in the deep, waterlogged mud of the Texas Cross Timbers (Montague County) in 1840. The scene captures the frustrating moment when the Chihuahua Traders caravan is completely stuck. Foreground focus is on several heavy, wooden Conestoga freight wagons, mired up to their axles in dark, thick mud. Exhausted oxen are straining and distressed, their drivers in rough frontier attire attempting to free the wheels with ropes and levers. In the mid-ground, a small group of the American equestrian circus performers stands next to their distinctive, high-quality riding horses, which are visibly more refined than the typical pack animals. The performers are dressed in sturdy but distinct traveling clothes, looking ill-equipped and frustrated by the muddy conditions. One performer is carefully securing a colorful carriage or cart containing unique circus props, struggling to keep it from sinking. The overall mood is one of miserable delay and hardship. Cloudy, oppressive sky; detailed realism; wide-angle shot; dark, moody lighting.
A highly realistic and historically accurate image set in the deep, waterlogged mud of the Texas Cross Timbers (Montague County) in 1840. The scene captures the frustrating moment when the Chihuahua Traders caravan is completely stuck. Foreground focus is on several heavy, wooden Conestoga freight wagons, mired up to their axles in dark, thick mud. Exhausted oxen are straining and distressed, their drivers in rough frontier attire attempting to free the wheels with ropes and levers. In the mid-ground, a small group of the American equestrian circus performers stands next to their distinctive, high-quality riding horses, which are visibly more refined than the typical pack animals. The performers are dressed in sturdy but distinct traveling clothes, looking ill-equipped and frustrated by the muddy conditions. One performer is carefully securing a colorful carriage or cart containing unique circus props, struggling to keep it from sinking. The overall mood is one of miserable delay and hardship. Cloudy, oppressive sky; detailed realism; wide-angle shot; dark, moody lighting.
“And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” (2 Chronicles 2:3-6, KJV)
“For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” (Psalms 9:18, KJV)
A close up of an eye. Around the eye are daisy petals - as if the eye is the center of the daisy. In the pupil a picture of Jesus swinging a little girl with long red hair, her arms around His neck, close-up view, macro perspective, joyful mood, golden hour color palette, god rays lighting, framing composition, masterpiece, best quality, ultra detailed, sharp focus, highly detailed
A close up of an eye. Around the eye are daisy petals - as if the eye is the center of the daisy with the soft yellow lining the eye. In the pupil there is a field of daisies and picture of Jesus hugging a little girl with long red hair, her arms around His neck, close-up view, macro perspective, joyful mood, golden hour color palette, god rays lighting, rule of thirds composition, masterpiece, best quality, ultra detailed, sharp focus, highly detailed
“If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 22:23-24, KJV)
“For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” (Psalms 9:18, KJV)