I’M NOT ASHAMED OF THE CROSS

I’m Not Ashamed of the Cross is an original portrait of an elderly Ethiopian Orthodox priest from Addis Ababa. During my husband’s mission trip to Ethiopia, he met with the priest’s family in their simple one-room home. The elderly man, who spoke no English, sat quietly in his armchair, steadfastly holding a large ornate cross. His posture and gaze seemed to declare boldly: he is not ashamed of the cross. In an era when some modern churches remove crosses to appeal to broader audiences, this image powerfully reaffirms that the cross remains the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Initially, I planned to complete the painting in full color, but I chose instead to preserve the azzurro (blue-gray) underpainting throughout most of the composition. Only the cross itself is rendered in rich gold, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to its symbolic and spiritual significance. The cross is positioned at the Golden Mean ratio both vertically and horizontally for balanced, harmonious composition. The background wall features subtle texture achieved with a palette knife and thick Renaissance marble gesso, evoking the rough plaster of traditional Ethiopian interiors.

The painting is executed on un-tempered Masonite board, prepared with five coats of Renaissance marble gesso and reinforced with oak wood strips for stability. Upon request, I can apply five coats of Damar varnish for a protective, glossy finish. With proper care—handled gently and kept out of direct sunlight—this work should endure for hundreds of years and become a meaningful heirloom for future generations.