I was reminded of this piece by Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) as I took in the sunrise this Sunday morning. Here you can see that Parrish, an American artist and illustrator, captured the sunrise tints of yellow and pink that we can know in this November time.

Parrish was raised in a Quaker community in Pennsylvania. His interest in and gift for art were discovered early by his family who supported his path to being one of the most significant artists/illustrators of the second half of the 20th century. Many rank him just behind Norman Rockwell.

Maxfield Parrish created 900 pieces of art from children’s book illustrations to calendars to magazine covers. He was not a starving artist as his vibrant colors, saturated hues, use of glazes and many idealized neo-classical images brought him wealth and recognition during his lifetime. His prints are part of many museum collections around the country and are available on many sites. Always an innovator, he has a color he created named after him – Parrish Blue.

Maxfield Parrish was a victim of arthritis that took his ability to paint later in his life. He died at 95. May we each remember this renowned artist and let his work encourage us to notice and discern the beauty he saw – maybe in a sunrise soon!

Thanks be to God for all who look closely at the world around them and remind us we can do the same each day. We can be refreshed and renewed in all things by the truth of creation and our Creator.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

May it be so. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church