Description
Medium: Fine Art Canvas Giclée Print of an Original Oil Painting (2025)
This deeply moving oil painting by Scott Patton, titled "The Secret Place," captures the intimate, healing embrace of Jesus comforting a brokenhearted woman. Rendered in a fluid impressionist style, the work evokes raw emotion and spiritual solace, drawing directly from the heart of Psalm 91—a passage about divine refuge and protection.
Visual Description:
The composition centers on a close, intimate embrace. Jesus is shown gently holding a sorrowful woman, His head bowed and pressed tenderly against hers, eyes closed in shared sorrow and compassion. His arms envelop her completely—a haven of safety and peace.
The woman’s face is pained yet peaceful, her eyes shut as if surrendering her anguish into His embrace. Her tears are unseen but strongly felt. She leans into Christ, finding strength not in escape but in proximity—this is the secret place.
The impressionistic brushwork—loose, soft, and full of movement—surrounds them in blended tones of gold, soft blues, and earthy browns. These colors seem to dissolve the background, making the moment between them feel timeless, suspended in divine stillness.
Scripture Reference:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.’”
— Psalm 91:1–2 (NKJV)
This Scripture perfectly embodies the visual narrative. The “secret place” is not a distant location, but the nearness of God in our suffering. In this painting, the woman is quite literally dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, upheld not just by theology but by the living arms of Christ.
Symbolic Elements:
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Jesus’ embrace – The refuge, shadow, and shelter of the Almighty.
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The woman – Every wounded soul, weary and broken, yet still loved beyond measure.
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Impressionist softness – Suggests healing, warmth, and the mystery of God's presence.
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Dimmed background – The outside world fades away in the intimacy of divine comfort.
Interpretation:
"The Secret Place" is more than art—it is a visual sanctuary, inviting the viewer to bring their grief, shame, or sorrow to Christ. It testifies that in the lowest moments, there is a place of healing that the world cannot see—a secret place known only to the soul and the Savior.
Scott Patton’s impressionistic approach allows emotion to lead, letting the heart feel before the mind understands. This painting is not only a comfort to the hurting but also a powerful reminder that the arms of Jesus are always open, waiting in the secret place for us to come and rest.
Handmade in Sarasota Florida.
PLEASE NOTE: The unframed pieces are approximately 3/16" thick and the boxed framed pieces are approximately 2" thick and are also around 1.5" larger in dimensions per side. For example - the 15 x 20 box framed print will actually be around 17.5" x 21.5" x 2" thick. The frames are made out of reclaimed hard maple wood for a durable and beautiful finish and do no include hanging hardware because the frames hang well on any sturdy nail or screw.
