What Matters Most!
A behind the scenes look at Morgan Weistling’s latest painting for Focus on the Family
by Sheila Seifert
A painter and his painting. A story in brushstrokes. A prayerful approach to art.
Master painter Morgan Weistling has created a work of art for Focus on the Family that reflects the timeless value of faith and family. What started as an idea about “what matters most,” became a scene from the life of an ordinary pioneer family in the late 1800s.
When it comes to storytelling, Morgan’s paintings are reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s in many ways. Both painters use the technique of stepping inside the scenes they’ve painted to include even the smallest details. In “What Matters Most,” you’ll notice scuff marks on a chair, a bucket and towels for washing up, and a tintype of the family’s grandmother on the wall.
Morgan Weistling explains the heart behind his latest painting, “What Matters Most”
A Story on Canvas
In a pioneer cabin on a harsh frontier, a father and mother put their two young children to bed. As the kids snuggle beneath a patchwork quilt lovingly made by their grandmother, their parents stand nearby, ready to say nighttime prayers with them. Their daughter is already folding her hands, responding to this bedtime routine that is overflowing with love.
Behind the father is a window with open curtains. The beauty of family and faith is contrasted with the harshness of a world set on destruction. This storm, a reminder a fallen world, seeks to destroy our families. Fortunately, this 1800s family understands what matters most, even as a storm beats on their home. They take shelter in their faith in Jesus and take comfort in the warm glow of His light.
Morgan’s Journey
Morgan has opened his studio for a behind-the-scenes peek as he paints “What Matters Most.”
The Children’s Corner
At the forefront of the painting is the children’s corner. A small bed in the family’s one-room cabin offers a humble look at early pioneer life. The girl is 4, and the boy is 2. Morgan says, “The girl loves horses, has a purse and has a cup of water. The boy’s eyes are on his mom.”
Behind the father is a window with open curtains. The beauty of family and faith is contrasted with the harshness of a world set on destruction. This storm, a reminder a fallen world, seeks to destroy our families. Fortunately, this 1800s family understands what matters most, even as a storm beats on their home. They take shelter in their faith in Jesus and take comfort in the warm glow of His light.
The children’s mother is leaning over the bed. She is still wearing her clothes from the day, a plain pioneer dress and apron.
Behind the father is a window with open curtains. The beauty of family and faith is contrasted with the harshness of a world set on destruction. This storm, a reminder a fallen world, seeks to destroy our families. Fortunately, this 1800s family understands what matters most, even as a storm beats on their home. They take shelter in their faith in Jesus and take comfort in the warm glow of His light.
“The father of the family,” Morgan says, “has put in a hard day of working the land,” as is evidenced by his clothing. One arm is on his wife’s shoulder, connecting them. In his other hand is a single candle. Morgan says, “The candlelight illuminates all their faces, adding a softness and warmth to the room.” The light represents God’s light of Truth.
“Grandmother’s handmade quilt covers the children,” Morgan says, “just as she covers them with prayer.” And this legacy is passed on through the image of the girl beginning to talk with God, her hands clasped for a bedtime prayer.
To further emphasize the importance of family, Morgan included a drawing created by his own mother. You can see her painting of a boat in the scene.
Behind the father is a window with open curtains. The beauty of family and faith is contrasted with the harshness of a world set on destruction. This storm, a reminder a fallen world, seeks to destroy our families. Fortunately, this 1800s family understands what matters most, even as a storm beats on their home. They take shelter in their faith in Jesus and take comfort in the warm glow of His light.
A small cross hangs on the wall above the bed’s headboard. This offers a hint at how important their trust in God and faith is. The family Bible rests on the end of the bed. Perhaps Father has just read a Scripture to his family before bedtime prayers. The children are tucked safely within the Word of God, family unity and prayer.
Behind the father is a window with open curtains. The beauty of family and faith is contrasted with the harshness of a world set on destruction. This storm, a reminder a fallen world, seeks to destroy our families. Fortunately, this 1800s family understands what matters most, even as a storm beats on their home. They take shelter in their faith in Jesus and take comfort in the warm glow of His light.
All the personal touches come together in Morgan Weistling’s most recent painting, which is titled “What Matters Most.” But even with all these insights, you’ll still have room to use your imagination and put yourself in this visual story.
Get Your Print Today!
Receive a SIGNED giclee print of Morgan Weistling’s “What Matters Most” painting for a donation of $300 or more to Focus on the Family! Or get an unsigned print for a donation of $150 or more.
– Morgan Weistling –
Morgan Weistling is a nationally known, contemporary painter. In 1998, after 14 years of successfully illustrating for the Hollywood movie industry, Morgan turned to fine arts. He’s never looked back.
Click here to learn more about Morgan Weistling and how he shares God’s light through art.
Sheila Seifert is the editorial director of Focus on the Family magazine and the author of Bible Kidventures: Stories of Danger and Courage.
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