Joseph Malford William Turner (1776-1851) was born in London and became an accomplished artist in watercolor and printmaking. He painted English Romanticism and often in open air settings. He seemed fascinated by weather and portrayed our human frailty in light of its turbulence and power.

Figures in a Storm is a quick sketch that was done on wet paper. It is simple and complex; straightforward and not. The many values of one shaded blue seem enough to imply forces that might be discounted by the two central figures. Humans are skilled at discounting the impact of our climate as it changes. This piece seems in part a prophetic work with much also implied in whispers of yellow and yellow-green.

As we begin to realize the changing, strengthening climatic forces that are our true context now, may we also realize that God is with us.  Richard Rohr writes, “Amid hardship, God is with us. Emmanuel remains the name on our lips.” 

May Emmanuel, God with us, be our prayer in the year ahead. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church