I am captivated by a giant sunflower in our garden. Each morning it emerges from darkness or thick fog with reverence and contemplation. Decades ago, in the church of my youth, Acolytes lit candles with a similar solemnity. In preparation for the painting-to-be, "Acolyte," I did a charcoal. Charcoal has much to teach us. Black and grey shades refuse to hide emotion. Negative space is center stage. Honesty shines.
