Interior of the School of Life (a residence used by the Missionaries of Mary for young women of the Philippines)

9×12” oil on canvas panel; click on painting for purchase information.

This old mansion in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines was handed over to the Missionaries of Mary, a community of vowed women who minister to the youth of the Philippines, especially those with no safe haven. This is the large living space where the young women gather to listen to music or to chat. When I had the opportunity to visit, I was awed by the architecture and the cool, streaming light that bathed the warm-toned interior. This piece was a simple sketch in paint to work out possible patterns of light, dark, warm, and cool for a future larger work. So far, I have not yet begun the larger one. I hope for long life!