Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a French artist who helped develop Impressionism. His innovation came in his use of color. Here we see his impression of a bouquet of roses in a piece that seems to glow in an almost overpowering manner. This image seems to meet our eyes before the page as it jumps into our awareness. Line and detail are secondary to his bold and unconstrained use of hue. His loose, spontaneous style seems a celebration of beauty and an invitation for us to join quickly and joyfully!

Renoir often used the red included here. It is an organic color made from scale insects called cochineal. Watch for it in works by Renoir. His consistent use of this vivid red can guide our appreciation of his body of work.

As an artistic prophet of sorts, Renoir was soundly criticized in his day for his use of color – the same aspect of his work that fills museum talks and art texts today. Maybe this image can be a call to more openness to the many and varied prophetic voices around us in these, our own times. Maybe this image can be a bold assurance of God and the Holy Spirit, of beauty and mystery, of possibilities and love in new perspectives and approaches. Maybe it foretells a faithful celebration we can all someday join. May it be so and amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church