“The Chosen” Paintings
I started watching The Chosen series for the second time (yes, it's that good… I’m now on my third watch), and I was inspired to do a couple of paintings to celebrate the fantastic work that the Chosen team is doing. The story telling, acting, lighting, shot choices, color coordination, scenery - it's quite a masterpiece in my opinion.
Check it out if you've not seen it!! * The Chosen on VidAngel *
This, is Mary Magdalene, who is describing to Nicodemus how she was freed from the claws of evil by the pure love of Jesus. Elizabeth Tabish does a magnificent job of communicating what a miracle personal transformation feels like, in my opinion.
Referenced from the film as shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, created by Dallas Jenkins.
This the character Matthew, who is, of course, a tax collector. The way that The Chosen brought him into the storyline with Simon and Andrew is brilliant in my opinion. Paras Patel does an incredible and inspiring job of showing how this quirky, brilliant, and sparky personality finds his way into writing the gospels.
Referenced from the film as shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, created by Dallas Jenkins.
This is the character Nicodemus, who is a Pharisee. This is the moment when Mary Magdalene reveals to him that it was not his prayer that freed her, but someone "whose time has not yet come". His reaction is so beautifully acted by Eric Avari, it's one of disappointment, but it's far more complex that that, there is also a hint of inspired curiosity, and genuine empathy despite the news. Check out the Chosen, if you've not seen it: The Chosen on VidAngel
Referenced from the film as shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, created by Dallas Jenkins.
This is Jesus, humbly portrayed by Jonathan Roumie. I’m interpreting the moment when he performs his first miracle at Cana. I imagined not only the water turning to wine, but also the ripple effect of this first miracle pouring out to all those who heard of it. The metaphor of the swimming fish in the Chosen intro is so powerful, and I want it to feel as if he is calling in entire schools of new believers to himself.
Referenced from the film as shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, created by Dallas Jenkins.
How I make these…
First, I find a moment that really touches me - there are so many in this series..
Next, I do a screen capture
Then, I blue-line, and then black-line a sketch
After that, I start painting with quick strokes, taking most colors as sampled from the screen capture, then adding my own to bring out the emotion and enhance the lighting
At the end I usually add some Gaussian Blur, and tinker with the highlights and darks a little bit
I always start with a colored background, usually red or brown.
This is just trying to get the tones and shapes down.
Then I start tightening up.
And the finishing touches!