A Biography of Morgan Weistling
“I am not the most prolific painter around! I decided early on that I would not let a painting out of the studio unless I feel really good about it. Sometimes that means living with a painting for a few months to get a good sense of what is working or not working.” – Morgan Weistling
Morgan Weistling was a Hollywood artist as well as an accomplished contemporary painter. His illustrations and paintings capture the mood in vivid clarity. His attention to detail, the atmosphere of the past, and historical aspects make him one of the top painters. Inspired by his Christian faith, the artist has portrayed the life of Christ in many of his paintings.
One such painting is “Kissing the Face of God”, one of Morgan Weistling’s iconic images. The painting depicts Virgin Mary holding infant Jesus in her arms and kissing him. The painting is often acclaimed to be a portrait of light and love with universal appeal.
This article walks you through the life and career of the artist. And above all, we talk about his prolific painting, “Kissing the Face of God”.
“Kissing the Face of God” Iconic Painting
“I started to contemplate the awesome privilege that Mary was given, being able to hold God in her arms, but also keeping in mind that He was still her baby. I immediately thought of a composition with Mary and baby Jesus and how Mary had the privilege to hold God in the flesh in her arms. She cuddled and kissed him just as all mothers do with their babies. This thought propelled me right into this painting which I wanted to be a very human representation of divinity. My prayer is that the viewer will be struck, as I am, with the amazing way that God chose to send His Son into this world — in pure humility.” – Morgan Weistling
“This painting was first inspired by the phrase ‘kissing the face of God,’ which I heard in a song many years ago,” said the artist. “Kissing the Face of God” is a powerful image of Mary and baby Jesus. The image is quite common, often seen in paintings and sculptures. But it is never depicted as a mother and her baby with love and tenderness.
Instead, the painting brings to the forefront that God chose Mary to bear and care for His son. She was able to hold Jesus in her arms since he was still her baby, too. She cuddled and kissed him as any other mother would do with her baby. Yet, it was also God’s son in the flesh.
As much as this painting is one of love and tenderness, it is also a human representation of holiness and humility.
About the Artist: Morgan Weistling
“There is a story underneath the story of my paintings. I don’t hide the process of how I painted it. You can see the layers and count the strokes it took to get there. With some styles of painting, the closer you get to the canvas, the more you will see. With mine, the more you step back, the more detail you will see. That’s not easy, which is why it fascinates me.” – Morgan Weistling
Morgan Weistling is known for his contemporary works, having started his career as a Hollywood illustrator. Weistling’s paintings are intricate narratives of the early American frontier life. Apart from that, the artist is also known for his religious depictions. His paintings captivate the viewer bringing the scene to life.
Morgan Weistling began his training at the tender age of 19 months on his father’s lap. It’s where he learned how to draw and, above all, how to use his imagination.
Eventually Morgan graduated beyond his father’s art books and began his art studies. He joined the Brandes Art Institute at 15 and was employed at a movie poster company at 19. He worked with the top production houses of Hollywood as an illustrator. After being in the trade for 14 years, he made fine art the focus of his career. Since then, there has been a great demand for his originals.
Awards and Recognition
Morgan Weistling is a most sought-after artist and teacher who conducts workshops. He also teaches at the esteemed Scottsdale Artist School. Recent awards and honors include:
- Prix de West Purchase Award (National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum)
- Patron’s Choice Award (Autry Museum of Western Heritage)
- Artist’s Choice Award (Autry Museum of Western Heritage)
- Trustees Purchase Award (Autry Museum of Western Heritage)
- Master’s of the American West
His work has been displayed in numerous museums and has been in print for more than 17 years.
Conclusion
Morgan Weistling is one of America’s most prolific painters of the 21st century. His contemporary paintings adorn many collections, galleries, and museums across the nation. He is known for his attention to detail and his ability to capture the mood in his oils. Morgan’s paintings have a more historical nature due to his research and commitment to authenticity.
The artist is also known for his biblical depiction of Christ. One of Morgan Weistling’s most iconic paintings is “Kissing the Face of God.” The painting is about Mary and baby Jesus. It showcases the privilege Mary had when she held the son of God in her arms.
“Kissing the Face of God” is available as an Oil on Canvas, Open Edition Canvas, and more. Check out his latest paintings here.